Moscow State Circus comes to Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Jan 7 2010

Moscow State Circus

RUSSIA’S most flexible circus performers are bringing their show based around the infamous Rasputin to Llandudno this month.

Moscow State Circus will have a huge cast when they stage their revamped Legenda on January 18-21.

The critically acclaimed acts push the boundary of human physical ingenuity to its limits. For most shows the circus is staged in a Big Top, but for Llandudno the performances have been adapted to the theatre stage.

Rasputin was often described as a romantic, mystic visionary. In Legenda, his vivid dreams form the theme of the show, entwined with the pride of Russia’s magnificent circus artistes and special effects.

The newly devised show includes the Didyk, a double Russian swing troupe acrobatically catapulting themselves high across the stage, plus Gregory's Girls suspended in mid-air on floating silks.

Doctorov’s Unbelievable Human Statues is a breathtaking balancing act that defies gravity and the laws of physics, while the Kvlividze Troupe appears on the rotating Wheel of Death.

The show also includes body twisting contortionists along with award-winning clowns Valik and Valerik, who have perfected the art of Buster Keaton style capers, plus amazing acrobats.

The crossbow act of The Popazovs sees a wife shoot an apple off her husband’s head from seven crossbows simultaneously.

Rasputin’s life began in the Siberian village of Pokrovskoe in 1869. Up to the age of 28 he lived as a peasant, working on the land. But he transformed after a chance conversation about God with a friend and future bishop, which prompted him to go out in search of the "Angelic Bread Of The Human Soul."

So during the next five years he became a pilgrim, a "strannik" with mysterious journeys across Russia and to Jerusalem, with many flocking to hear his sermons. His enigmatic personality endeared him to the highest social circles and finally in October 1906 he met Tsar Nicolay II and Tsarina Alexandra, leading to a devastating effect on political and personal history of Russia and the Romanov dynasty.

Moscow State Circus, January 18-21. Tickets from £12.50 on 01492 872000 or venuecymru.co.uk