Moscow State Circus

at Oxpen's until Saturday

The sight of the colourful big top surrounded by tents and vans and activity is thrilling in itself, and I arrive at the circus full of childlike anticipation for the event ahead. There is something about the circus that is both entertaining and slightly strange, and the Russian origin of the Moscow State Circus adds to that mysterious and intriguing aura of gaudy exoticism. The Ringmaster, Victor Pilipovitch, swirls into the ring to introduce the show, clad in an extravagant deep purple robe and pointed hat that twinkles in the lights and makes him look like some fabulous magician. His endearing accent and brilliant smile all combine to make the audience feel truly welcome, and his later juggling display reveals him to be a talented performer. We are treated to everything from acrobatics and contortionism to classic comic routines. The Guriyanov Acrobats spring from shoulder to springboard with apparent ease, although I did fear for the poor man picked to perform the 'triple somersault on one stilt'. The Popazov, a threesome clad in a glittering array of sequins, mesh, and sunglasses, combine glorious eighties tack with accomplished feats on a tall silver machine. The dazzle of the Popazov is only matched by the Firebird (Irena Pilopovitch) who retells the Russian folk tale on a trapeze beneath atmospherically dimmed lights. My favourite was the high wire act, performed by Goussein Khamdoulaev and his talented twelve-year old pupil Evguenia. The two fearlessly saunter across the thin highwires, not only walking but jumping, swinging and twirling on the wire until you just want them to come down so you can stop worrying about them... Mik and Mak the clowns carried through the show with an originality that this traditional act rarely manages. Farcical cream-cake/tripping-up routines (specialising in blowing cream off the tip of the nose) are combined with rather more unusual sketches involving Mak as a sinister medeival devil, and Mik brandishing a lethal-looking whip. As a result the pair capture the fascinatingly tragi-comic aspect of the clown who is not just a children's entertainer. More comedy appeared in the form of an air-balloon, which has Sedov and Zoubarev hurtling around the roof dangling from each other's underwear. Their bright costumes and well-designed props make for an act that is very like a silent comic film, and is certainly successful. Having gobbled the candyfloss, bought the badge and risked being splattered by the clowns, I felt I had had the complete circus experience. It's great fun, so don't miss it!

Jane Labous