Artistic Director: Phillip Gardey

Adaption by: Tony Wilkie-Millar & Tian Run Min

Original Music by: Mr Wu Jia Ji & Ms. Zhang Hongtao

Reviewer: Poppy Helm

The Public Reviews Rating:

Rarely have I been so excited before a performance – a trip to the circus obviously brings out the child in me; a little ironic considering the surprisingly elderly audience in attendance at The Lowry – for the most part, the grandkids seem to have been left at home. In many ways, this is quite a grown up show; the cast are undeniably talented, bringing together martial arts, acrobatics and dance in an understated but thoroughly impressive fashion. This is not only entertainment, but a celebration of world class expertise, featuring both the famous Shaolin Warriors and a lead actress, Cao Jing, with three martial arts titles to her name.

The narrative, based on a popular Chinese story, is somewhat extraneous, it’s purpose serving to link the acts together in a show that is spectacular enough to stand on its own. This journey is led by the twitchy Monkey King and every-hungry Pig, the latter inexplicably dressed as a New York taxi driver that left me wondering whether I was missing an ‘in’ joke somewhere.

The opening scene sets the bar high with Chinese Dragons that move in perfect synchronicity as they wiggle and bounce to oriental music. Every movement is carefully choreographed, from the cast’s hands to the blinking eyes of the Dragons. The odd stray hat or dropped Diablo are inevitable in such an ambitious show but the acts appears sufficiently effortless that you can simply relax in the pleasure of watching rather than cringe in anticipation of the next blunder.

Although I was initially skeptical about how well a circus act would work under a proscenium arch, the cast succeed by making full use of the stage, often tumbling and running from one side to another. The vertical space isn’t neglected either; women perch atop lofty unicycles and a couple dance midair using silk ribbons suspended from above. In addition to the more traditional circus acts, the Shaolin Warriors make several appearances through displays of strength, endurance and agility.

It isn’t surprising to learn that Artistic Director, Phillip Gandey, searched throughout China to assemble his cast for this unique show. Each member carries themselves with grace and precision in this excellent example of physical theatre: definitely one not to be missed.

Runs at The Lowry until 31st Jan 2010

Chinese State Circus: Mulan - Lowry Theatre, Salford, 2.6 out of 5 based on 5 ratings

Tags: 2010, Acrobatics, Chinese, Circus, Mulan, Philip Gandey, Salford, Shaolin Warriors, The Lowry, Tour