Review of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Corteo’: “Parade-oxical affairs”

The Royal Albert Hall welcomes the annual return of the world-renowned acrobatic company – bringing back this Italian-themed adventure where the sky’s truly the limit. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this stunt-studded spectacle ends up making a circus out of itself.

Last night was my birthday. Actually, it was the whole day. Well, maybe not from the location where you’re reading me… Why am I even bothering? Anyway. I’m not sure how this is relevant to the review, but I needed to start somewhere, and I’m always lovely topic to discuss… Shut up. The thing is that nothing get closer to the utmost anniversary treat than a trip to Cirque du Soleil. Every previous experience I’ve had with them ratifies that notion. Not only does it feel absolutely whimsical, it exudes a very particular brand of magic that only they can claim as their own.

A new start to the year means a new revisit to the wonders this French-Canadian troupe holds within the Victorian garishness of the Royal Albert Hall. Back in 2023, a Jules Verne-inspired universe turned the venue into a quintessential steampunk reverie. Last year, one of its signature productions (perhaps the closest thing to their flagship montage) returned to the London stage with rebooted energy. This year, Italian folklore takes over to tell us the story of a deceased plagiaccio ascending to heaven as he watches his funeral take place – portrayed with the usual campy charm that characterizes the group’s style.

There’s no need to overthink the drama when it comes to a Cirque du Soleil performance – that’s very rarely the point. Those who are acquainted with their work know that for a fact. And I doubt any newcomers have included that element on top of their list. Yet, we can all agree that, when you’re attending a show by what’s admittedly the very best company of their kind, your expectations stand high, to say the least.

It would be unfair to call Corteo a disappointment – in all honesty, it’s still packed with extremely well-executed acts featuring the most exhilarating renditions. But despite a good handful of truly breathtaking moments, we also encounter too many parts that, rather unfortunately, walk a tightrope in regards to their entertainment quality.

It has the ability to thrill, but it struggles to touch the soul. Its jaw-dropping stunts, put together with absolute flawlessness, are sadly followed by slightly unfulfilling comic reliefs with a humour that hardly ever lands. Too many times, we can’t understand what their purpose within the show really is – and its vague framework doesn’t help the narrative get any clearer.

You may, of course, argue that this piece is a return to their roots: a dance circus with no other aim than amusing and enthralling through the power of its visuals. And to some extent, you would be right. The problem, though, is that around a third of the entire gig relies on numbers that feature very little of that nature. As a result, the dreaminess that often defines Cirque du Soleil’s trademark is delivered only halfway through on this occasion.

Several other production values are nonetheless deserving of some praise – with the costume designs, though probably not the best effort the crew has made to date, still flaunting an enchanting look. On the other hand, its Baroque-inspired staging contributes to the overall pizzazz of the performance – despite not boasting the same degree of spectacularity we’ve been wowed by in the past.

A heavenly adventure full of genuinely divine tributes, Corteo brandishes the sparkle of the company’s former glory, but strives to present it with the same brilliance of its predecessors. Rich in wallop, but soft in emotional punch, the show will provide audiences with an enjoyable ride – but seat-belts should be fastened in preparation for its unavoidable bumps. It does the strength to bring a few shivers and a trigger some childlike astonishment, anyhow. Yet, unlike one of its most striking bits, it’s several moves away from climbing up the whole ladder.

All pictures credit to Andy Paradise.

Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo plays at London’s Royal Albert Hall until 2 March. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara