February started with a BANG when news spread like wildfire about the McLaren Circus that was visiting in Town: Known as a family circus with local and international artists and spell-bounding animals that perform it was said that it is a treat not to be missed. The circus is known to tour all over South Africa spreading their magic to all. We managed to book tickets for the 3rd February and I must say we were not disappointed in the least!

Just as their websites predicts The McLaren Circus is filled with “excitement, magic, laughter and thrills!”  The circus was a spectacular blend of everything one envisages that circus stands for, spiced up with modern acrobats. During the interval hotdogs, candy floss, pancakes and drinks were provided to those with an appetite and by the length of the queue I could vouch that it was most of the crowd present. One of the most captivating scenes was a daring stunt where a man dangerously balanced on a spinning wheel meters into the air. The audience watched spellbound as the skilled entertainer on a few occasions seem to teethe on the brink of the rotating orb and preformed a variety of tricks from walking, to running and finally a nail biting skipping stunt.

The lions were one of the most memorable scenes, their roars echoed fear and excitement through the crowd as the glorious beasts snarled but still preformed their acts to perfection. Every act catered to different people, the clowns obviously stole the show with their humour and tricks, but I can honestly say there was not one show that I thought bland. The human chandelier was an act that left my mouth gaping, as a small Chinese lady managed to use her agile body to balance an array of 100 lit candles. All the animals and the performers were extraordinary and next year I will make sure we are seated in the front row again to view the circus from the best vantage point. It was entertaining 90minutes of pure enjoyment and surprises!