FOR two-and-a-half centuries, the circus has been providing thousands of people with an eclectic mix of entertainment.

Over the years, the world’s greatest variety show has evolved and become more daring and death-defying.

So, when the selling point of Cirque Berserk! is a ‘Globe of Death’ you are certainly going to pique many people’s interests – mine included.

From the moment the lights went out at the Anvil and the Timbuktu Tumblers sprung on to the stage, the energy levels were at full throttle.

When the show was first announced one thing I wondered was how would the stage be set out, and even though it was very minimal the fast pace of the performances didn’t need any elaborate set design.

And this was evident when the crowds’ eyes were transfixed on acrobat Jackie, who was twisting through the air high above the stage, at one point just using the strength of her neck to support her body.

As the first half of the show came to a close with a taste of the ‘Globe of Death’ with Lucius and his team of motorcyclists, who would be whizzing around inside at speeds of up to 60mph it seemed like an odd way to go to the interval.

However, the introduction of a bit more danger in the form of fire and knife throwing in part two, for each act the stakes and risks were heightened.

Throughout the whole show, comic relief was provided by the moustachioed pairing of the Mustache Brothers, with a combination of gymnastics and slapstick. With a lukewarm reception when the duo first stepped onto stage, the clowns managed to win the crowd over, flirting with some women in the front row and an impressive and comical closing segment.

For me, the Tumblers were a personal favourite, building pyramids and constructing arrangements out of their bodies which could be arguably stronger than some buildings.

This is a show that is full of thrills, it is just a shame the individual segments are frustratingly short and leave you wanting more.

Cirque Berserk! will be at the Anvil until Saturday, 26 May.

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