Another thing you cannot afford to miss is to circus performances. The first is the Circus Romano from Italy. As this is a travelling circus,it follows a long tradition by performing in a marquee-which is really like a canvas protable building,usually put up in a green space or car park,rather than in a theatre or stadium. In spite of this,Circus Romano isn't at all like the traditional circuses. There are no animals-just very talented clowning and acrobatic routines. The show has a lot of very funny movements,especially at the beginning,but the best part is the music and lighting. They're magical. At forty-five dollars it's very expensive anyway-it's really for adult tastes.
The second circus performance is Circus Electrica at the Studio Theatre. The purists are suggesting that this isn't a circus at all. It's a showcase for skills in dance and magic,rather than the usual ones you expect in a circus. With only six performers it's a small production,which suits the venue well-the Studio only seats about two hundred people. An interesting feature of the show is that the performers are so young-the youngest is only fourteen. But it's still well worth seeing:a good one for the whole family.
And finally, as it's summer, you may wish to see some of the outdoor performances,like the famous water puppet troupe, performing in the City Gardens this week. It's large puppets on long sticks, controlled by puppeteers standing waist deep in the lake. The puppets do comedy routines and there is some terrific formation dancing. This is a fantastic show and the best moment comes at the end-seeing the puppeteers. It's really hard to believe what you've been watching is lifeless wood and cloth.