Amazing circus in Nottingham

FROM the land of legends and warrior Shaolin monks to Nottingham Royal Concert Hall comes the incredible new Chinese State Circus show - the acrobatic spectacular Yin Yang.

This unique extravaganza showcases the best in traditional Chinese acts from acrobats defying gravity through the ancient discipline Icarian Games.

These will include the Bicycle Act culminating with 12 performers on a single bike, unpredictable foot juggling, swinging poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers.

Accompanied by an all-girl group of live musicians, the undisputed masters of physical theatre promise to have you enthralled with their fusion of precision acrobatics, martial arts and circus skills.

The Chinese State Circus is the embodiment of a traditional art from which can trace its history back over 2,000 years.

The presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes whose whole lives centre in the performance.

The result is the purest, honest, most abiding and exhilarating circus critics have described as a “true privilege” to see.

Historical records, ancient carvings and decorative patterns on utensils show the origin of Chinese acrobatics more than 2,000 years ago in the period of the Warring States. During the Quin and Han Dynasties (221 B.C – 220 A.D.) acrobatic artistes developed a wide repertoire, and acrobatics was thus called “the show of a hundred tricks.”

Acrobatics has played an important role in cultural exchanges between China and other nations. In the past 35 years, Chinese acrobatic troupes have toured more than 100 countries and regions throughout the world. Their excellent performances were warmly welcomed and highly appreciated by the people of various countries.

The Chinese State Circus was an idea started back in the 1990s after director Phillip Gandey witnessed a group of Oriental acrobats performing to great acclaim at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival.

He was astounded at the quality, depth and sheer diversity of such Chinese Acrobatic Troupes. After working out the logistics of transporting 45 artistes, plus directors, interpreters and five tonnes of props half-way around the world - the rest, as they say, is history.

Performance times are 8pm on Monday 30th January and 5pm and 8pm on Tuesday 31st January.

Tickets for the show are priced £15-£28 and can be bought online at www.trch.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0115 989 5555.