Things must work a little differently in the rural towns of Quebec, Canada than they do here in Australia because the show I saw from the Cirque Alfonse team a couple of days back was simply breathtaking. Growing up on a farm, these performers do things a little differently than your usual circus troupe. Forget the trapeze, these folks use tractor tires. Who needs silks when you have a see-saw? No need for a juggler, these people have a giant mechanical bull. I can honestly say, you’ve never seen a circus show like this before! 

They may not look it, or dress like it for that matter, but the Cirque Alfonse team is one slick, professional unit. Comprising of a live band, which has a style akin to a Prince concert, they play French-Canadian tunes while the performers go about their business with feats of incredible strength, cat-like agility, and nerve-racking balancing manoeuvres. Oh, did I mention that some of the performers also play instruments as well? The members of Cirque Alfonse absolutely do it all. From balancing eggs on their necks, to climbing poles that are balanced on shoulders, to climbing over, around and on top of each other without touching the ground. It’s the kind of show that you need to see to believe - but even when I saw it, I couldn’t believe it!

Comprising of hilarious comedy skits (at one stage I thought I was watching the old Muppet Show) daredevil acts of bravery (standing on another man’s shoulders whilst riding a mechanical bull), and perfectly orchestrated live music (it really builds the tension in the stunts), Animal is the perfect show for everybody to enjoy. Adults, kids and grandparents were all in attendance and were all loving what they were seeing. If you’re looking for a bit of country in Adelaide City, give Cirque Alfonse a go. Enjoy!

FIVE STARS *****

Reviewed by Shane Berketa