I'm running away to the Cirque du Soleil

No, don't worry, not really. But after watching the breathtaking show last night (and yes I mean that literally AND figuratively, as there was more than one occasion I was so nervous I forgot to IN or EX hale), I might just consider it.

Sadly, I think 28 (yes, THAT happened over the Christmas break) is a little old to suddenly decide I want to become a professional trapeze-r. Besides, my shoulder span is probably better suited to the buff boy gymnasts who do a worryingly good job of tossing young women high into the air and catching them with one hand, than it is to the actual young women...

Jokes aside, it really was an almighty feat of theatrics at the Royal Albert Hall. From upside-down bicycle rides to topsy turvy tables, or maddeningly brilliant yoyo skills and a fishing net trampoline, or strangely bendy octopods to exquisitely beautiful aerial twirlers (yes I have researched it, and that IS it's official name), there was never an un-bright or un-brilliant moment. All of this was tied together by live singers and musicians who kept pace with the performers, accenting every near-miss and perfectly balanced pose.

In terms of plot, I can't really tell you what was going on, but I think to dwell on this would be to largely miss the point. There was a fun clown character who brought an audience member on stage ad proceeded to do a really rather good cat impression for 10 minutes (he was also the ring master of the 'invisible orchestra'). All of this led to a varied evening of very spectacular gymnastics, really quite beautiful athleticism and skill, and just the right dose of "I'm not really sure I can watch what's coming, but also it's impossible for me not to watch it, and won't it be so much worse if I don't see what happens but only hear it the audience gasps" etc etc. A great part of the directorial skill for this sort of gig must be knowing just how much high-octane thrills the audience can handle. Turns out I might be in the 'not an awful lot' camp.

This is part of a greatly theatrical week for me, seeing Orlando at the Garrick, and watching yet another show at the Vaults. It does rather get one thinking about one's own acting career. Thankfully, even my silly and overambitious brain is well aware that Cirque du Soleil does NOT lie on my horizon, but the West End...and at the very least Waterloo...who knows? For now watch this space about an upcoming tour of Cassandra in Oxford and Cambridge, the release of a new short film, and the potential foray into yet another audiobook. As well as a meeting with the master herself, Miss Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

As ever, much love xxx