Velvet

High camp Disco looked like it was invented for circus, such is the seamless marriage of the thumping beats and aerial high-jinx in this sparkling production.

The audience is taken on a steep rollercoaster ride of fun that only slows down once, for a musical highlight, which is a haunting acoustic rendition of the Bee Gees hit Stayin Alive.

The rest of the night is pulsating, featuring a mixture of Disco hits from ‘Boogie Wonderland’ to ‘Last Dance’. The template is a succession of short acts, featuring some quirky characters. 

Tom Oliver, dressed in a white shirt and tie, looked like he had stepped out of the Book of Mormon. His innocent character contrasts with plenty of more fleshly characters.

From Berlin was Mirko Kockenberger, who flirted and flummoxed, whilst conducting a partial striptease, as he balanced on cylinders and suitcases.

At the other end of the spectrum was Craig Reid, aka “the Incredible Hula Boy”, who joyously paraded his curvaceous body whilst wiggling at a rate of knots.

These days the likes of Cirque du Soleil can put on acts that appear so dangerous that it makes you cringe. This circus had some thrills as the performers swung out over the audience but never stretching the elastic band too far.

In swaggers Marcia Hines – who dazzles with her gorgeous gold dress, a face that appears perfect and plenty of sweat notes to match.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look so fabulous at the age of 64. Maybe it helps to have children very early.

The audience was coaxed to their feet for a last dance and to supply a funky standing ovation.

David Spicer