On Sunday my family and I were invited over to Manchester Event City to watch the Continental Circus Berlin and having absolutely loved Circus Extreme last year we were really looking forward to it. Once again we were thrilled to see that the circus was taking place in the UK’s largest big top that looks like it has come straight out of The Greatest Showman, adding a real buzz of excitement and extra authenticity to the show from the moment you arrive.
If you were lucky enough to watch the Circus last year then you will know the calibre of show you will see, however I think it is important to point out that although some acts are similar to last year there are also plenty of new acts so it’s worth going again as this is still a different circus.
What to expect from the Continental Circus Berlin
For those that aren’t familiar with it or haven’t been to a circus for some time then the Continental Berlin Circus is a medley of acts, some you expect to see such as Edy the clown who entertains the audience between acts with his cheeky ways and mishaps (although be warned he does like to involve the audience from time to time) and some acts you don’t necessarily expect to see at a circus, such as the brilliant dancers who sure know how to shake their tail feathers! You will also see some other acts that you may recognise from previous shows such as the death defying Danguir Troupe who perform on the quite aptly named wheel of death.
The Continental Circus Berlin has something for everyone. It is a fabulous show full of incredible acts that will have you questioning your own eye sight, looking for secret harnesses or hidden props and wondering how such things are physically possible. It has been choreographed in such a way that they don’t miss a beat or waste a single second with one act simply transitioning seamlessly in to another. And when the main arena can’t be used due to equipment needing to be set up Edy the clown will keep entertaining you in the isles so everyone, especially the children, remain engaged for the whole time.
On of the acts that that had me transfixed the most was definitely one I least expected, in fact if someone had told me I would be impressed by the ability of a fellow woman to change outfits quickly I would have laughed at them. Any mother in the land has nailed the art of the 3 minute outfit change, usually whilst holding a screaming baby or attending to a toddler at the same time but this lady, well, she changes outfits in about 5 seconds flat right in front of you with no other outfits near by. I simply can not figure out how she does it but my goodness it’s impressive and I would love to know her secret, it would certainly make the school run quicker in the morning.
As for the boys they were both blown away by the Danguir Troupe and the wheel of death as they some how remain upright (and alive) on top of rotating spheres but not just that they then start skipping, jumping, and add in a blind fold, because – well why not!?
As well as the wheel of death my boys also loved the tightrope act which is just breath taking as the trapeze artists don’t just simply walk across the wire, which quite frankly would be impressive enough, but instead they cycle across it. It really is a stomach lurching moment that ends with a sigh of relief when you know they have made it across in one piece.
The Continental Circus Berlin is a show not to be missed and can be enjoyed by the whole family including the petrol heads amongst us who will be thrilled to see the Extreme ® stunt riding team perform the Globe of Death, which involves them riding round on motor bikes inside a relatively small globe like cage, how they don’t crash is beyond me and it is most definitely impressive.
If you like nail biting, edge of your seat, fast paced acts that gives you a rush of heart stopping adrenalin whilst you stay safely in your seat then Continental Circus Berlin is for you. It will be at Event City form now until February 24th and makes for the perfect half term family activity, so book those tickets now, you wont be disappointed.
Oh and just as a little top tip, if you or your children have a favourite act then at the end instead of making a bee line for the car if you head over to the far side of the tent opposite the bar on your way out you will see all the acts lining up doing meet and greets and they will be delighted to pose for pictures for you and with you at no extra cost. My youngest was very excited to have his photo taken with the with the lady in a bikini – and so begins my life as a mum of boys I guess!
Check out our comprehensive list of things to do in Manchester for more half term inspiration too.
(We were gifted our tickets in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own).