Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall with one of its most successful London shows, the colourful and dazzling OVO. We went along to the dress night performance to witness a spectacle like no other.
Having seen two previous Cirque du Soleil shows, my expectations were high and I knew we were in for a treat. But OVO took the performance to the next level, it was like nothing I had ever seen before.
Created in 2009, OVO (which means ‘egg’ in Portugese) features an incredible 53 acrobats and musicians in a true feast for the senses, bringing to life the colourful world of an array of insects and plants.
Last performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018, OVO became Cirque du Soleil’s most successful London run at the time. It is now back for a limited run until 1st March with group rates available.
Along with the original characters, there is a reimagined set design, new acrobatics, additional costumes - which are intricate and wonderful - and reinvented music.
This particular show has now been seen by more than seven million people in over 40 countries. And seeing the dress night performance was made even more special with the news that for two British stars this was their homecoming show. Hammersmith born Robin Beer is a rare Cirque du Soleil British clown, playing The Voyager, while London-based Lydia Harper returned as artistic director.
What GTOs thought
Group travel organiser, Gwen Wright from The Arts Society (Cranleigh) group, said: “OVO is yet another show stopper, with inner gasps and wows which keeps any viewer - young or old, totally riveted.
“There is total incredulity that the highly acclaimed performers can do such remarkable feats with their bodies. Such supreme athletes presented a show with a light-hearted touch and humour. The colourful and inventive costumes were a feast for the eyes. Who could have imagined the insect world could be reimagined with such artistic quality?
“The show was totally awesome from beginning to end and encapsulated in the Albert Hall gives an additional grandeur and height perspective needed for the troupe’s extraordinary performances! Cirque de Soleil is ‘never to be missed’ believe me.”
GTO Marian Durbidge, Herts Theatre Club, said: “The show is a fantastic a display of strength, activity and daring stunts. It is a marvellous performance which appeals to everyone.
“When we first saw the huge egg dominating the stage, the scene was set for what was to come - feats of tremendous balancing, high wire acts, trampoline performances and more.”
What is OVO about?
Celebrating biodiversity, community and the joy of discovery, OVO is a playful show which combines the charming love story between an interesting fly and a strong-willed ladybug with breath-taking displays. Appealing to the inner child in us all, the acrobatic acts we witnessed demonstrate the incredible possibilities of the human body.
It opens with the appearance, and then disappearance, of a mysterious egg. What follows is a journey through the life cycle and birth of numerous insects from the strange and slinky-like Creatura and trampolining crickets to the graceful butterflies and juggling ants.
I couldn’t hold back my reactions throughout the show (those who sat near me can attest to this), there was a lot of head holding, gasps and mutters of ‘but how are they doing that?’ Particular highlights include a captivating spider performance, showcasing almost unbelievable flexibility, and a towering 19-metre climbing wall and trampoline sequence. High energy, dazzling costumes and spectacular acrobatics were complemented wonderfully by a Brazilian-inspired soundtrack.
“OVO is yet another show stopper, with inner gasps and wows which keeps any viewer - young or old, totally riveted.”
Gwen Wright, The Arts Society
The cast of 100 people come from 25 different countries and OVO is another example of how outstanding talent is brought together by Cirque du Soleil which last year celebrated 40 years of defying reality and entertaining audiences worldwide.
Cirque du Soleil’s legacy
Tony Lincoln, UK group sales consultant for Cirque Du Soleil hosted invited guests for the dress performance. He described it as a “double tick experience”; not only being able to see the amazing show but also experiencing it at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Tony added: “I’m proud to work on such a unique offering - and how incredible that back in 1871, Queen Victoria had the foresight to build the shape of the building as it is, to perfectly accommodate our Cirque show!
“Back in 1996 Cirque du Soleil presented a show called Saltimbanco, it was their first show at a permanent residence in Europe and soon established Cirque du Soleil as a leader in world-class entertainment. Unbelievably, 30 years later, we’re proud and delighted that OVO, one of our most popular shows returns to the Royal Albert Hall, particularly as it features two renowned British talents.
“Every Cirque show tells a story, and this one is no different. The bugs are back in town! It brings together the colourful world of insects, butterflies and more.”
Ticket details and group rates for Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo
Groups of ten or more receive special rates (except Saturdays) with extra discounts for children, students and seniors (terms and conditions apply). There are also group prices for boxes seating smaller groups, as well as corporate hospitality, VIP premium experiences and bespoke events.
GTOs can contact tony.lincoln@cirquedusoleil.com for information and bookings.
For details of the show visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo
