There is a period every year when the travelling circuses start doing the rounds in the Birmingham kind of area. Circus Season, we call it.
The first of the season is Paulos Circus, based at Melbicks Garden Centre in Coleshill which is on until the 31 March after which they move on to continue their travels around the UK.
We reviewed Paulos Circus last year (find that review here.), and they asked us to come back and check out their new show, called Rockets Tour.
If you plan on going, definitely book ahead. When we got there for our showing, there were people being turned away, practically begging for tickets. If you pop into Melbicks before the show, you might find a discounted voucher for money off tickets.
After being shown to our seats by the resident clown, Mr M, the lights dropped and the ringmaster, Kenny appeared to announce the start of the show.
When the spotlight hit the ring, we were greeted by Simon Deville on a swing being winched up into the rafters. He proceeded to wow the crowd with his skills on the swing, flying back and forth, switching positions constantly and risking life and limb by hanging by his legs or arms whilst 20 foot or so in the air.
After Simon got himself back on the ground it was time for someone else to risk their neck suspended from the roof of the tent. This time it was the turn of a trapeze artist who used a net suspended from the roof. She also flew around and above the ring, scaring the crowd. You might have seen the Instagram video of our little girl Jemima whispering “wow” as she watched the performer in her net. Says it all for me. She was wonderful to watch and entranced our girls.
One of the issues I have with PA systems is that’s it’s sometimes hard for me to make out people’s names and I didn’t catch this lady’s name sadly. If anyone knows her, please do tag her or let me know her name.
The next act was Duo Vinkali, a team of knife throwers from Germany. They were a part of the circus last time we visited and returned with a different look, but the same skills. Vincent is very good with his knives and crossbows, and every time he hit his mark, he looked very pleased with himself. Allissone who put herself in harm’s way of his knives and crossbow bolts, showing amazing control and calmness whilst having incredibly sharp and dangerous implements being hurled at her.
It was a new act next. Again, I didn’t catch the guy’s name so if you know reach out to us in the comments and let us know.
He was an incredibly skilled juggler. Now I know juggling is not the most thrilling skill BUT this guy was amazing at what he was doing. Countless cones flying in the air and the near impossible task of catching all of them just seconds apart. I was open mouthed at this guy. His routine was mesmerising.
Simon is pulling a double duty this tour and was back out again to show off his incredible feats of balance and strength. Building a tower of chairs, one by one, the next balanced precariously on the last, Simon lifted himself into the air. Eventually he was perched on his head, doing the splits, around 15 feet in the air, on a delicately balanced stack of 8 chairs. One false move and bones would be broken.
Leo Steel was next, updating the traditional circus strongman act. Instead of a leapord print leotard there was a superhero onesie and instead of a handlebar moustache, it was a superhero mask.
Leo demonstrated his amazing strength by pulling a car (plus passengers!) with his teeth across the ring. He also bent steel bars with his bare hands, a feat he asked a couple of the manlier audience members to try. They failed, of course. Finally he invited the ringmaster to DRIVE A CAR OVER HIS STOMACH. This is not the actions of a normal or sensible man.
The last main act were the Laser Warriors, two laser artists who bounce dozens of lasers around the arena to dramatic music, wowing the kids at the amazing light show.
Between the acts, Mr M, the resident clown kept everybody amused during takedowns and setups and was very clearly the favourite act of our eldest, who laughed hysterically at his antics.
We love the circus and Paulos will always be a special one as it was the first we ever went to as a family. Their new act doesn’t disappoint and we would highly recommend anybody in the areas that they are touring, to try and drop by and catch their show.
Disclaimer: We were gifted these tickets in return for an honest review. And that’s exactly what we have given you.
Thank you to Mr Trips who is the guest post writer for this review today.