By David Jenkin

In modern times, the circus has become quite a novelty. When the ringmaster asked the crowd how many were at the circus for the very first time, the majority raised their hands, especially the younger members of the audience. The grand spectacle of the circus is still very much ingrained in our popular culture, yet children today are more likely to have played a circus-themed video game than to have actually been to a circus in person.

The Great Moscow Circus provides something of a traditional circus experience with one notable difference – there are no animal acts. Circuses that do still include animal acts, especially with exotic animals like bears and lions, have increasingly been on the receiving end of criticism – understandably so. Rather than beasts in captivity, the Great Moscow Circus showcases human beings with exceptional skills, such as trapeze and acrobatics acts, swinging and flying through the air with exceptional grace. A contortionist folded himself into an array of twisted configurations, a magic act drew gasps of amazement, and daredevil motor-cross bikers crammed themselves into a metallic sphere that appeared too small for even a single bike to orbit.

Of course, laughter is a key part of the programme, and a clown made his way into the ring between each performance to heckle the ringmaster as he tried to make an announcement. On a couple of occasions, he pulled members of the audience into the ring to use in his antics, having them perform a dance, and then using them to create a human pyramid of sorts.

The Great Moscow Circus includes the best performers from Russia and leading talent from around the world, a total cast of 65 members. One impressive act follows another, filling a two-hour programme. The big top tent, the universally familiar and nostalgic symbol of the circus, currently occupies Montecasino’s large outdoor events space. It seats 1 700 people and has air-conditioning.

The Great Moscow Circus will be in Johannesburg until Saturday, 28 January, and will then be moving to Cape Town’s Foreshore, followed by Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and then Durban.

For more information, visit www.greatmoscowcircus.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Twitter or on Facebook.