Reviewed by The Magic Hatter
The Hatter family rolled up to Circus Rio in Acomb this weekend, for a traditional family show with a distinctively Brazilian flavour…
The red and white big top was pitched next to Acomb Rugby Club and we arrived for the 5pm show, having booked a voucher online via Planet Radio for a family of four for £7.50 – down from £60! Even if this voucher is no longer available, there are offers elsewhere such as cheap seats on opening seats, and discount vouchers in supermarkets and local businesses.
Taking our seats ringside, we indulged in the usual sugary circus snacks – popcorn and candy floss – and our youngest Hatter had his face painted as a clown for £3. Burgers, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and flashing wands were also available and, later, signed posters and souvenier photos with Spider-Man. Also £3, this seemed worth it as thankfully his costume was professional (I’ve seen some poor ones!) and the children were thrilled with the idea of meeting and posing with Spidey.
In a Spin
Spider-Man was just one of many acts in the fast-paced 1-hour show. The glamorous, glittering ringmistress welcomed us to a Brazilian Carnival, and soon a male and female duo got the show off to a dizzying start by spinning on skates on a small platform. They later returned with a crackin’ (whip pun!) whip and lasso act, a real highlight for us, and then again once more with a quick-change costume act. Their chemistry was strong, acts polished, and they shared the routines between them which was refreshing to see (instead of the female performer acting in more of a ‘glamorous assistant’ role)
A Head for Heights
The aerial silk act performed by the ‘Jewel of Circus Rio’ was simultaneously beautiful and jaw-dropping, with several plunges from a great height. Another aerial performer used hoops and a net to captivate the audience, and set one routine to Never Enough from The Greatest Showman which worked well. A rolla-bolla act was also the most daring I’ve seen, with the performer balancing precariously on a stack of wobbling tubes and a bowling ball. My eldest was peering between his fingers!
The finale saw not one, not two, but three motorbikes hurtling around the inside of a spherical cage at breakneck speeds. I’ve seen The Globe of Death at other circuses but it never fails to amaze. The roar of the bikes, the smell of the fuel and the very real danger makes for a breathtaking act! Sitting ringside, you really feel the thrill of an act which can, and has, gone wrong.
Send in the Clowns
Of course no circus would be complete without a clown, and Edy was a highlight for all of us. It is clear he has honed his act over many years, and combined sight gags, slapstick, hat tricks and music with plenty of interaction. Even though we’d seen some of the gags before, he had them down to a fine art and the kids (and big kids!) loved him. I ended up being picked-on throughout (I have one of ‘those’ faces apparently) but he was so likeable that I didn’t feel embarrassed or put on the spot…even when I was the butt of the jokes! With the South American stylings, he reminded us of a character from the recent Disney Pixar film Coco.
My eldest Hatter was invited into the ring to help, and jumped at the chance. Edy was incredibly generous, making sure he got the applause and credit for the tricks – and even giving both of our boys some of his ‘magic sparkles’ after the show (the gold confetti he flamboyantly tossed into the air after each trick) These little touches make for special memories. I’ve seen a lot of clowns, but Edy was genuinely one of the most polished and endearing I’ve come across. A credit to Circus Rio!
The length of the show was ideal for younger audience members. At just over an hour, even my 3-year-old was transfixed the whole time!
Our only negative was the toilets – festival-style portaloos with no toilet roll, and no running water (only hand gel). At this venue, we also struggled to find somewhere to park, as the nearby car park was full with rugby club members, and the supermarket opposite had a time limit. Minor niggles in an otherwise magical family experience that was great value for money. Interestingly, this circus strictly prohibits photography and filming, whereas others recently have encouraged it. All photos here are taken from the Circus Rio website, and actually it was great to just sit and watch and engage fully with the show, without needing to take review photos!
The hour passed in a whirlwind of slick, fast-paced entertainment! We’re no strangers to circus but I can honestly say this is one of the best we’ve seen.
MAGIC RATING 
VALUE FOR MONEY 
OVERALL
At the time of writing, Circus Rio is heading to Wakefield next. Check the website at https://circusrio.co.uk/ for details and to book tickets online.
Review Wizard 