Thrill-a-minute in the big top

Traditional Russian circus, embracing elements of western culture, undercuts this fast-moving, lively show, which offers an exciting combination of charm, humour and daring. Its approach is businesslike, courageous and interestingly varied. A live band provides most of the music and the acrobatic routines are sustained by extraordinary skill and no gimmicks.

The excellent clowns are original and often hilarious - and shrewd enough to keep the gags fast, amusing and concise. The engaging principal clown is a gifted funny man who can juggle and play the trumpet as well. He also acts as a foil to some of the aerial routines, which are truly death-defying. Most of the high-wire and trapeze artists perform without a safety net.

It is a programme of contrasts; six - five smiling broadly, the sixth brooding and uninterested - youths tumble, jump, vault and later perform a precision trapeze routine - the only act availing of a safety net. This team's entry into the circus ring has that carefully-choreographed menace so favoured by the makers of pop videos. A couple swing romantically - and dangerously; two high-heeled cowboy boot-wearing girls perform miracles from the aerial straps, while a man walks along a tightrope set at a dangerously steep angle - his partner is a tiny 11-year-old girl.

Elsewhere, a graceful Pierrot juggles coloured pompoms, which appear to glide between his fingers and his costume, while a dramatic juggling routine with clubs begins with a sequence including fluorescent boomerang-like objects spinning around the darkened big top. A glamorous woman effortlessly controls the collection of obedient hula-hoops encasing her.

Russian circus has a glorious tradition and a deserved reputation for world-class gymnastics and acrobatics, and this is well showcased here. Such is the wealth and diversity of Russian culture, though, one would rather if the circus highlighted its Russian nationality more than it does.

Animal lovers will be relieved to learn that the only participating beast is a languid chicken which, in keeping with the mix of illusion and reality, may or may not be laying the eggs used by the clowns.

Continues until January 18th, at various times. To book, phone: 087-2415503.