Breathtaking skills and gravity-defying stunts have been promised as the circus rolls into town this week. Andrew White went along to see if it lived up to expectations.
There's something about a circus big top that awakens the child in me.
And as the giant arena hove into view as we approached the showfield opposite The Old Farmhouse pub on the outskirts of Darlington, the pulse started racing a little.
Myself and my wife, Frances, were heading to the circus as a treat for our seven-year-old granddaughter, Lily - and she was super excited.
After parking up, we made our way inside the cavernous red and white big top for the Planet Circus OMG! show.
Candy floss in hand, we took our ringside seats. Face painting, drinks, hot and cold food, raffle tickets and children's gifts were all available as the countdown to the show was announced over the speaker system.
And then we were away. A giant two-wheeled spinning contraption kicked off the show, with two muscular acrobats performing an array of tricks as the wheels whirled around at speed.
"How are they not falling off?," asked an incredulous Lily. It was to be a theme repeated throughout. Gravity-defying indeed.
What followed was a series of jaw-dropping acts performed with athleticism and skill. We had rope swings and another giant wheel, each act punctuated by a clown act in the great European tradition. Audience participation was encouraged, the clown delighting the audience with his daftness.
There was also an accomplished quick change act couple, with outfits changed in the blink of an eye - and all carried out with great humour.
The first half ended with Red Thunder, the monster truck which featured on all of the promotional posters. A strongman performed a juggling act with tyres, then an amazing stunt involving the tuck - I won't spoil the surprise for anyone going, but it was truly remarkable.
After a couple of trays of chips, we settled down for the second half and more circus stunts. There was a trapeze act involving a colourful spaceship and one of the highlights was a female performer who at one stage walked upside down while suspended above the stage.
This was also a sound and light show, with spectacular visuals accompanied by booming music carefully choreographed with the acts.
The finale was provided by the Globe of Speed - a metal spherical cage which saw several motorbikes spinning around and breakneck speed, somehow managing to avoid each other.
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An astonishing display of motorcycle stunts which had the audience craning their necks and Lily's eyes popping out in disbelief crowned a wonderful couple of hours' entertainment.
Gymnastic, athletic, entertaining and - above all - hugely talented, this was certainly a night to remember.
"That was amazing," declared Lily. And we all agreed.
- Planet Circus OMG! will be in Darlington with perfomrnace each day until Sunday, June 30, after which it will be touring the country - including a summer season in Scarborough. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at planetcircusomg.com/
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