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★★★★½
Circus is a genre that I’ve always been familiar with but never fully explored in my years of covering theatre and fringe festivals. Skip forward to 2025 and I had the opportunity to watch the world premiere of Canadian company Cirque Éloize’s ‘iD Reloaded’ at the Marlowe Theatre here in Canterbury, which fuses circus arts with urban dance. Taking inspiration from ‘iD’, the company’s West End and international hit, this new show builds upon its predecessor, continuing to exhibit the blending of these unique art forms in an exciting way.
Setting and concept
Directed and curated by Jeannot Painchaud and choreographed by Elon Höglund, the narrative takes place on the streets of Montreal and sees a cast of nine bring a public space to life. Initially two gangs are at odds, but throughout the course of the performance they come together and the audience gets to know the different personalities of this group. Less of a story and more of an exploration into city life, every element has been curated to reflect the ambience of a busy urban sprawl, from dynamic video projections and constantly changing lighting to a scaffolding-inspired set and the sounds of traffic and industry. The overall effect is a vibrant, suburban landscape where communities come together and subsequently you can’t take your eyes off the colourful and evolving visuals.
A variety show
What is so exciting about this show is the sheer variety of circus disciplines, including Chinese Pole, contortion, trial bike, juggling and more. Each sequence centres on an individual or small group of performers, highlighting their unique talents alongside the varied soundtrack. Whilst the focus is largely on the soloists, anyone not leading contributes to the surrounding group formations, which support the lead choreography. It makes the show feel very much like an ensemble piece, encompassing the whole company and utilising the full extent of the stage.
Throughout the 80 minutes Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon’s soundtrack shifts from lively hip hop beats to softer, more emotional pieces. It is this range in the choreography, skillset and music that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The performers come out into the audience on a few occasions to raise the energy in the theatre, build anticipation and keep spectators entertained during significant set changes. Outside of one particularly impressive trick, this feels a little unnecessary and cheesy, with the show’s strengths lying in the jaw dropping talent of the performers. That being said, the lifting of the house lights did make you wonder what would happen next and feel a part of the show.
Exciting and exhilarating
Cirque Éloize’s ‘iD Reloaded’ is a creative celebration of public spaces, told through some exciting circus choreography, street dance and vibrant visuals. The blending of the two genres really works, giving circus as an art form the same amount of attitude as breakdance and hip hop. It is also the kind of production that will inspire both aspiring circus artists and dancers, helping to show the next generation what is possible. ‘iD Reloaded’ has now finished performances at the Marlowe, but the show is touring the UK until October 2025. Tickets to future venues can be purchased via the Dance Consortium website.
*My ticket for ‘iD Reloaded’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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