Review: CIRQUE BERSERK, Peacock Theatre

Combining the centuries-old skills and traditions of the touring circus troupe, this is a variety act like no other. Contained within is an assortment of acrobatics, contortion, knife throwing, motorbikes, fire juggling, and so much more, from performers originating from as far afield as Kenya, Cuba, Mongolia, Brazil etc.

I've seen a lot of circus in my time, and unfortunately this production feels generic. Whilst the talent is at an incredibly high standard, the 'wow' factor quickly wears off and you are left wanting more. 'Death defying' stunts feel somewhat pedestrian, and there isn't much of an atmosphere on stage.

One of the night's highlights are the Timbuktu Tumblers, who jump, flip, cartwheel and manoeuvre themselves in a way that shocks and provokes a strong reaction. Odka is one of the most flexible archers you will probably ever see. Arriving in a glass container, she manipulates her way out of it to shoot an arrow at a target via her feet.

There's no denying that the performances are strong, and of course there has been an incredible amount of preparation that has gone into the show's creation; however the overall production feels tame. The company pen themselves as "risky" and "life-threatening", yet as an audience you sit nonchalantly, believing nothing can go wrong.

I wanted more danger, because throughout it I felt too comfortable. Perhaps the problem lies in the fact that the show is being staged in the West End, and if we saw it on the road it may be much braver. The production values flit incoherently from high quality entertainment to cheap holiday camp act, and that makes it feel a tad trite.

The show lacks dramaturgy, and this absence of coherency makes it a tough one to follow. To add to this, it's quite misogynistic. Women are either objects to be desired or saved, and it's rare that you see them in an empowering position. Even in the programme they aren't credited with their name, but instead referred to as "the assistant".

There are so many exciting circus companies on the scene right now, and Cirque Berserk seem to be out of date. In order to stay as one of the leading forces, they need to up their game, innovate themselves, and seek collaborations that will actually entertain.

Cirque Berserk at the Peacock Theatre until 17 February

Photo Credit: Cirque Berserk

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