The Circus of Horrors at the Lyric Theatre

After striking the right note with the audience of Britain’s Got Talent, The Circus of Horrors has pitched up in the West End’s Lyric Theatre to dish out a serious serving of shock ‘n’ roll.

Collating a series of well-loved tricks, such as sword swallowing, fire breathing, acrobatics and magic, The Circus of Horrors is no ordinary circus.  Each trick, executed to perfection, contains an ounce of gore and horror to set this show apart from others.  This particular series, London after Midnight, follows a set of grisly events from throughout the city’s history.

With the accompaniment of catchy rock ‘n’ roll and sound effects from Dr Haze and the Interceptors from Hell, The Circus of Horrors is a full-on show.  However, its reliance on the music, props and accessories does somewhat distract the audience from any real human talent.

Unfortunately The Circus of Horrors fails to raise the bar on circus cabaret; it lacks refinement, instead attempting to cover such a vast array of skills that individual displays are shallow and rushed.  One particular act, the “demon dwarf strong man,” is very uncomfortable to observe – but then perhaps that is the desired effect!

Bad language, rude gesticulations and elements of nudity ensure that The Circus of Horrors is unsuitable for a young audience – and while on the whole the performance is entertaining, its content is also unlikely to suit an older audience.

For disposable fun, The Circus of Horrors will provide a few nervous giggles.  Knowing its Britain’s Got Talent success, however, begs the question: what did the reality TV show’s audience see that is missing in this performance?

Jennifer Atkinson

The Circus of Horrors: London after Midnight is at the Lyric Theatre until 16^th December 2013. For further information or to book visit the show’s website here.