Royal Albert Hall extends Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria: In a New Light

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Alegría: In a New Light sees one of Cirque du Soleil’s all-time classics reimagined for a new generation to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now, with special group rates available.

The European premiere will kick off a limited series of performances in London from 11th January, stretching its run past the original February date until 3rd March 2024.

Cirque du Soleil started its annual residency at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996, and last year’s presentation of KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities became the best-selling Cirque du Soleil show ever in the UK.

The story and concept of Alegría: In a New Light

The Cirque du Soleil production of Alegría (‘joy’ in Spanish) whisks audiences away to a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and acrobatic extravagance.

At the heart of a once-glorious kingdom that has lost its king, Alegría: In a New Light witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and the youth in strive for hope and renewal. As the court jester clumsily tries to take the throne, a growing desire for change emerges from the street to defy the status-quo and bring joy to the world.

Since it first premièred in 1994, Alegría has become one of the most popular Cirque du Soleil shows and has been seen by over 14 million people in 255 cities across 40 countries until the end of its 19-year world tour in 2013. Its original production performed five successful runs in London from 1998, including four residencies at the Royal Albert Hall.

In 2019, Alegría was revived and creatively reinterpreted in a new light. Stage direction, music, acrobatics, sets, costumes, lighting and make-up designs were re-energised with an international cast of 62 acrobats, clowns, musicians, and singers. 

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984 near Québec City in Canada, the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group now produces world-renowned circus arts shows that wow audiences across the globe. Since its creation more than 378 million people have been inspired on six continents and 86 countries. There are now more than 4,000 employees, including 1,200 artists from 80 different nationalities.