Gone are the days of monkeys, lions and elephants, but the modern day circus is just as wild and thrilling, and more glamorous than ever with dazzling costumes and outstanding performers.
Weber Brothers Circus opened on Thursday night to a full house, with its huge big top tent pitched at ASB Baypark.
The circus is back touring New Zealand after a world tour.
Promising to have audiences "on the edge of their seats", I took this with a pinch of salt, but I guarantee, there will be moments in this show when you will be hiding your eyes, open-mouthed, asking the person next to you 'how they just do that?'.
'The Globe of Death' is one of the shows at Weber Bros Circus.
Aptly called 'Adrenaline', the show incorporates technology that traditional circuses wouldn't have had: there's a laser light dance show, and a clown blows up a massive balloon with the help of a handy pressure pump.
The ring 'master' is a ring woman. The traditional 'strong man' is joined by an equally strong woman, with their routine having one marvelling at the powers of the human body, as the man holds on to a vertical pole with just his hands, while she balances on top of him.
As well as these modern twists, the acts include traditional well-loved circus ingredients.
Super - talented trapeze artists and aerialists dazzle with magical performances.
Weber Bros Circus
There are hula hoops and fire, and all the magic and mystery of the circus- such as a dance routine with split second costume changes that have you wondering how this can even be possible.
A man is dramatically shot from human cannon, and clowns engage the audience in hilarious interludes.
There's a moment when one clown plays the saxophone with such prowess that makes you consider that these performers are truly multitalented. The strong man returns for the show's jaw-dropping finale – The Globe of Death where daredevil motorbike riders circle each other at speed inside a metal cage while a woman nonchalantly stands inside.
It is a sensational show which had the audience of for kids and kidults alike buzzing with laughter and excitement.
The top class performances will make you want to run off and join the circus too.
THE EVENT What: Weber Bros Circus: Adrenaline
Where: ASB Baypark
When: Until 21 October, 7.30 pm. With matinee shows Saturday and Sundays, and every day during school holidays. See Weber Bros Circus for full list of show times
To book: phone 0272 CIRCUS (247 287) (TUESDAY 10.00AM until 5.00PM, WEDNESDAY to SUNDAY 10.00AM until SHOWTIME. During school holidays, booking office is also open Mondays)
