Last updated at 13:27, Friday, 01 July 2011

ROLL up, roll up; prepare to be stunned and amazed when the best circus acts from around the globe come to town next month.

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Zircus Plus will fly into Barrow on July 15 to 17 for three days of fun and entertainment delivered by some of the most exciting acts in modern world circus.

Barrow will come alive with fireworks, acrobatics, comedy, music, pirates, stilt walking, dance, tightwire, juggling, art and more during the event that features acts from as far afield as Italy, Japan and the US.

The Forum will also host a special comedy-packed, double bill of new circus from France and England.

Julie Tait, the director of Kendal Arts International which creates Lakes Alive with Manchester International Arts, says: “Zircus Plus is the only festival in the UK that shines the spotlight on outdoor circus. This year’s festival boasts a fusion of amazing shows that will challenge people’s perceptions of what circus can do.

“There’ll be performances you won’t believe humanely possible and others that will make you laugh out loud. It promises to be a magical three days of world-class entertainment.”

Among the main attractions is Barricade, a spellbinding new show from NoFit State Circus who are renowned for their ground-breaking work in contemporary circus.

The latest performance from the Welsh wonders will combine breathtaking aerial and acrobatic skills, inspiring live music and an incredible fiery finale.

Designed to illustrate the mighty human effort needed to overcome the barriers we face in life, the open air show begins as a storm brews and the performers start to build barricades to protect themselves.

The drama climaxes in a blaze of fire, lights and music.

Previous reviews of the group have described their work as “vividly entertaining”, “intoxicating” and “one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.”

Heartland promises to be another festival high, featuring aerial performers swooping through the sky entwined in swathes of fabric. Inspired by the legend of Minotaur, this new piece of work fuses music, dance and storytelling in thrilling style.

A unique collaboration between Candoco Dance Company, Scarabeus Aerial theatre and writer Nicky Singer, it promises to be an exhilarating and moving theatrical experience.

There will also be a series of performances in The Forum aimed at adults and children aged eight or above, which promise bags of laughs and surprises.

From PanGottic Circus Theatre comes Full Twist, an upbeat silent comedy about falling in love.

This award-winning show blends physical theatre, clowning, masks and contemporary theatre to create incredible drama without using a single word.

Also making their debut at The Forum is French team DeFracto who will present their hilarious show Circuits-Fermes.

One of the winners of the 2009/10 Jeune Talents Cirque project, which singles out the best new emerging talent in circus, DeFracto have created a heart-warming show about two men, a large wooden board and innumerable white juggling balls.

It’s an extremely funny and highly skilled show that has captivated audiences across Europe and will make its UK premiere at Zircus Plus.

The shows will run on Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets for the double bill are available now from The Forum.

Back on the outdoor stage, Italian Compagnie Piano C will bring a touch of magic to the streets of Barrow with their award-winning show of circus theatre. Taking nothing more than a few simple things, including a bin and a cardboard box, the performers conjure up a bitter sweet show that elevates rubbish to an art form.

From Germany comes Aristokraten – an animation show that combines acrobatics, music and satire in one heady mix.

Laughs aplenty will also be provided by George Orange, an eccentric clown and slack-rope dancer from Chicago.

His Man on the Moon show takes children and adults on an amazing trip to the moon and back. Bicycle Ballet will dazzle audiences with an outdoor dance show performed on bikes.

Starring trick cycling specialist Paddy Waters, this new piece of work uses dance, circus and physical theatre to look at differing male and female approaches to their bikes. It all adds up to a fun and frenetic performance that will leave audiences shaken and stirred.

One of the most beautiful sights of the festival will be Noriko and Akiko – two exquisite Japanese women wrapped in traditional silk kimonos who pose beneath cherry blossom and parade to the sound of haunting Japanese folk songs, while interacting in Japanese with the audience.

Look out too for The Tiny Travelling Tightwire Show as it rolls into town. Much audience involvement is needed in this show to encourage the nervous Poppet to take to the tightwire and save the day.

And beware of the Circo Rum Ba Ba Pirates who will be cruising through the streets in a boat plundering and looting along the way.

All of the outdoor shows are free and suitable for all the family.

Tom Campbell, chief executive of Barrow Borough Council, says: “We are delighted to be hosting such an exciting array of international talent and I’m sure local people and visitors alike will enjoy a fantastic weekend in Barrow.”

Zircus Plus is just one of the many highlights of the Lakes Alive 2011 programme.

The season will climax with the Mintfest International Festival of Street Arts which will bring some of the world’s leading outdoor performers to the streets of Kendal on September 2 to 4.

First published at 13:06, Friday, 01 July 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk