WEBLINKS
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 |  | Reviewed by site user Pete Playdon
Ahead of their performances in Stratford, the big top returned to Coventry's Hearsall Common with the ever-amazing spectacle of the Chinese State Circus.
| 听 |  | Performers in the Chinese State Circus
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The circus features a constantly entertaining variety of acrobats, contortionists, clowns, plate-spinners, chair-balancers, kung-fu fighters, diablo-jugglers and sword-dancers - but no degrading animal 'acts.'
This 2,000-year-old show is always popular with families, though the appeal seems to be highest with the very young, who react with sheer astonishment, and the more mature, who can appreciate the skill involved (my seven-year-old seemed to think that he could do it better).
The cloying smell of popcorn and candyfloss and the thousand blinking Halloween lights all added to the atmosphere of excitement and expectation, but the real praise must be for the excellent team of performers.
While there were enough dropped plates to remind you that this is real and not put together with special effects, the overall impression is of a highly-disciplined and professional troupe dedicated to their ancient craft.
| 听 |  | The Chinese State Circus provide proper old-fashioned fun
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In a fast-moving show with as much variety as this, it is hard to pick out outstanding acts or performers, though the contortionist must get extra marks for the grace with which she slowly drew her feet down to her chin while standing on her hands.
Most of the acts, however, rely on some sort of team-work for their success and it's the tightly-honed cooperation, dexterity and split-second timing that impresses most.
The human pyramid of foot-jugglers, spinning cloths or throwing cups and plates onto their heads was impressive in this respect but was trumped by the ten-high ladder of chairs and people that balanced on a single leg.
The pleasures on offer here are simple but genuine - the sense that the acts attempted are physically impossible produces a constant anticipation that the performers will fail, but this is consistently followed by amazement and wonder at their success.
Each act is designed to be both thrilling to the senses and pleasing to the eye, ensuring that everyone goes home happy.
Don't miss it in Stratford
The Chinese State Circus is at Stratford Racecourse between Wednesday 6 and Sunday 10 November.
Ticket information
For enquiries, reservations and credit card bookings call the box office on 07030 190190.
You can also pay on the door but people are advised to go early as the circus does get busy.
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