The world’s first “Cirque de Voitures” hits London in November offering theatre-goers a completely new experience of balance, beauty, style, humour – and some of the most spectacular cars in the world.
Held at Earls Court and billed as MPH’04, the Cirque de Voitures is the first time anyone has attempted to combine the elements of a modern-style spectacular circus with the raw energy of the race track; the grace of balletic performance with the testosterone-fuelled world of the supercar; the skills of traditional jugglers with the extremes of car control.
“Anyone who loves big theatre will love MPH’04,” claims choreographer Sean Canning whose credits include the presentation of the armed forces to the Queen as part of the Jubilee Ceremonies and catwalk shows at London Fashion Week. “It’s very arty, very theatrical – but balanced by ringmaster Jeremy Clarkson who after a while will growl ‘ok that’s enough of that, it’s my circus and I want more cars!”
“We have two of the world’s finest aerial silk artists – they do the BBC TV show breaks – creating the most amazing choreographic routines eight metres above the stage. We have models and cars sharing a catwalk display with West End standards of lighting and sound. Following the theme of Cirque, we have fire eaters, jugglers and acrobats – but all interweaved with live motoring action.”
Producer Simon Aldridge explains that the theme runs through even hardcore sequences such as the rally time trials. “We have themed these loud, dangerous cars as what they are – wild animals. At the start of the trail the cars will be released from cages and roar around a jungle-themed race track.
“It’s not all art, of course, there will be lots of top level action sequences, Jeremy Clarkson’s usual verbal sparring with colleagues Richard Hammond and Tiff Needell, outrageous stunts and the world’s greatest cars both in action and on display to inspect at close quarters. A sequence about the future and past of formula one will feature a formula one car driving on stage – now that will be loud!”
Cirque de Voitures plays for just four days in the main hall at Earls Court from 18-21 November.
