Circus of Horrors 2008
We caught the incredible Circus of Horrors this week at the start of their 50 night tour of the UK. Click here for details of our review and an incredible 2 for 1 offer.
It’s now nearly 13 years since the Circus of Horrors debuted at Glastonbury in 1995. Since that time, the undead Dr Haze and his crazy band of freaks and misfits have been regularly touring the world bringing their own inimitable style to loyal fans and shocked newcomers all over!
As well as the Circus, Dr Haze presides over the Carnival of the Bizarre a small showcase of Circus talent who hold court at Thorpe Park during its annual Fright Nights event. It was here that we first encountered the Circus and despite the short running time we got a keen taste for what the full show could offer. Therefore as they embark on yet another Nationwide tour, we visited them in Swindon to see what they had to offer.
One of the most noticeable things at a Circus of Horrors performance is the varied looks and appearances of the audience members. The Circus has a core following and there was a noticeable number of Gothic types, extreme tattoos and body piercing all rubbing shoulders with regular well dressed theatre goers. This proves though that looks are deceptive, as everyone we saw in the theatre LOVED the show whatever they were wearing!
The new show has been split into 2 halves but the story and the background action is pretty irrelevant to the stunts on display. Most people are here for the spectacle and the circus certainly delivers that in bucket fulls. What surprised us was that the acts were a mix of genuine freakiness and true graceful and powerful circus performances. So whereas one man maybe lifting heavy weights off the ground by a hook through his nose the next minute we may have an amazing gymnastic aerial display.
This constant change of pace and content through the show really keeps the whole thing fresh and not once did either of us become disinterested in what was going on the stage. Of course, the anticipation that someone is going to meet a bloody end any moment soon always keeps you focussed!
As well as the true circus style acts that added a real class to the proceedings, Dr Haze lords over the performances in an outrageously over the top ringmaster. With an obvious love for gore and rock music, Haze and his talented band, will integrate his own songs into the shows narrative and perhaps here could be found our own criticism. Maybe it was the venue or maybe the sound equipment wasn’t the best but at times it as difficult to hear what was being sung (although to be honest –it was no different to any other rock concert)
To say much more about the show would give the game away. There are certain acts that really do rely on the shock factor and its better sometimes not to know what’s going to happen. At certain points throughout the auditorium, people could be seen squirming almost with disgust at what they were watching, yet laughing out loud the next minute as a midget does something obscene with a vacuum cleaner!
Be warned though. Wholesome family fun this isn’t. But it IS fun. Lots of fun – and you can clearly see that the cast are enjoying it as much as the audience. So if you are looking for some light dismemberment, nudity, rock n roll, blood and some amazing circus style acts then we why not pay them a visit? Just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
It’s now nearly 13 years since the Circus of Horrors debuted at Glastonbury in 1995. Since that time, the undead Dr Haze and his crazy band of freaks and misfits have been regularly touring the world bringing their own inimitable style to loyal fans and shocked newcomers all over!
As well as the Circus, Dr Haze presides over the Carnival of the Bizarre a small showcase of Circus talent who hold court at Thorpe Park during its annual Fright Nights event. It was here that we first encountered the Circus and despite the short running time we got a keen taste for what the full show could offer. Therefore as they embark on yet another Nationwide tour, we visited them in Swindon to see what they had to offer.
One of the most noticeable things at a Circus of Horrors performance is the varied looks and appearances of the audience members. The Circus has a core following and there was a noticeable number of Gothic types, extreme tattoos and body piercing all rubbing shoulders with regular well dressed theatre goers. This proves though that looks are deceptive, as everyone we saw in the theatre LOVED the show whatever they were wearing!
The new show has been split into 2 halves but the story and the background action is pretty irrelevant to the stunts on display. Most people are here for the spectacle and the circus certainly delivers that in bucket fulls. What surprised us was that the acts were a mix of genuine freakiness and true graceful and powerful circus performances. So whereas one man maybe lifting heavy weights off the ground by a hook through his nose the next minute we may have an amazing gymnastic aerial display.
This constant change of pace and content through the show really keeps the whole thing fresh and not once did either of us become disinterested in what was going on the stage. Of course, the anticipation that someone is going to meet a bloody end any moment soon always keeps you focussed!
As well as the true circus style acts that added a real class to the proceedings, Dr Haze lords over the performances in an outrageously over the top ringmaster. With an obvious love for gore and rock music, Haze and his talented band, will integrate his own songs into the shows narrative and perhaps here could be found our own criticism. Maybe it was the venue or maybe the sound equipment wasn’t the best but at times it as difficult to hear what was being sung (although to be honest –it was no different to any other rock concert)
To say much more about the show would give the game away. There are certain acts that really do rely on the shock factor and its better sometimes not to know what’s going to happen. At certain points throughout the auditorium, people could be seen squirming almost with disgust at what they were watching, yet laughing out loud the next minute as a midget does something obscene with a vacuum cleaner!
Be warned though. Wholesome family fun this isn’t. But it IS fun. Lots of fun – and you can clearly see that the cast are enjoying it as much as the audience. So if you are looking for some light dismemberment, nudity, rock n roll, blood and some amazing circus style acts then we why not pay them a visit? Just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
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