Circus Montini
Granton-on-Spey Showground - 05/06/22
If you think circus is not for you and you prefer the Ballet or the Opera, well take in the oldest art form from which the others would not have emerged. It is the earliest form of professional theatre originating in the 16th Century. Popular throughout Europe and relying on stock characters. Some date the origins to the period of the Roman Republic. Interestingly the early Christian writer Tertullian claimed that the first circus was stage by the goddess Circe to honour her father Helios the sun god. I can recommend the recent novel ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller.
So, there you have it. Professional entertainment, performed outdoors in temporary venues, showing skills and comedy.
Circus Montini fulfils all these criteria. It is a new concept in modern circus. It owes much to the early days of family entertainment, taking their tour to small recreation grounds, and village greens off the beaten track. This show blends the ancient and the modern in a contemporary mode. Performed in a handsome circus tent and featuring all-male handsome performers demonstrating skills which must be seen to be believed. They range from amazing ball juggling by a black leather clad whizz kid reminiscent of the great Mexican juggler, Rudy Cardenas. Along with clubs, ladder routines, acrobatics, and a terrific aerial routine by a lithe young man in a net high above the arena. Each act was accompanied by well-chosen modern music and lighting effects. The show, which runs for an hour, is punctuated by brilliant commedia routines by Sandro the Clown. No slosh routine, no dog, no white face but clever audience reaction, including a mock play, when members of the audience joined in. The children, including grandson, in the audience hooted at the clever way he manipulated them. Think the Mechanicals in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. He told me he is sixth generation circus folk, and his life has been touring.
This is a class show. Rather than spend a hundred or so pounds of your hard-earned money on Cirque Du Soleil, go local and spend ten pounds. You will experience the same skills but close up.
Circus Montini is touring the Highlands until the 3rd of July and then throughout the UK until October. It is supported by the Arts Council. Check out their website for dates and times.
