CELEBRATING the 250th anniversary of the invention of circus, as of tonight, the Anvil is set to be transformed into an adrenaline-fuelled showcase.

With six shows scheduled over the next three days, Cirque Berserk! has taken over the Basingstoke theatre and The Gazette’s TIM BIRKBECK was invited along to get a sneak peek of the show – and even get involved – here is what he experienced:

Stepping into the auditorium to be welcomed by the ‘Globe of Death’ – a dome which motorcycles ride around going sideways and upside down - knowing that in a matter of minutes I would be stepping inside, I was overcome with a mixture of fear and excitement.

After a brief explanation from Germaine Delbosq as to what I was meant to do when I stepped inside this mammoth metal structure, my heart started to race as I was introduced to Lucius’ team who would be whizzing around my head at speeds of up to 60mph.

With the assistance of Paula, I tentatively took my position in the globe and with the roar of their engines, Lucius and his team were off. As I stood nervously, I suddenly felt the finger of Lucius tap my nose, which made me laugh and instantly relax.

The ease at which the team executed their act is something which is truly worth experiencing.

While at the Anvil, I was also given a sneak peek of the Timbuktu Tumblers, who did the limbo under a flame-lit pole, barely inches from the floor and Odka the Mongolian contortionist, who shot a bow and arrow with her feet.

Germaine also asked if I wanted to have a go at being Toni the Czech knife thrower’s assistant, but after seeing how hard he threw his knife at his regular assistant, his wife, I could only imagine how hard he would throw them at a complete stranger.

From just witnessing this brief snippet of Cirque Berserk!, it immediately made me want to see more.

These death-defying performances are truly something that someone needs to experience with their own eyes.

Cirque Berserk! opens tonight at the Anvil at 7.30pm, with showings at 5pm and 8pm on Friday, 25 May and 2pm, 5pm and 8pm on Saturday 26, May.

For more information and to book tickets, visit: anvilarts.org.uk/cirque-berserk.