one4review | On 18, Aug 2025

Cirque Kalabanté: WOW (World of Words) lives up to its title in sheer scale and spectacle. It’s a celebration of physical brilliance, colour and rhythm that sweeps you along from the first drumbeat to the final bow. The performers are remarkable—every flip, leap, and balance delivered with astonishing precision and strength. There are moments when the entire audience seems to hold its breath, followed instantly by bursts of applause and laughter as another impossible feat is achieved.

The acrobatics are undeniably the heart of the show, and what a heart it is. Human towers, skipping ropes at superhuman speed, and high-flying tumbling acts create an energy that is both exhilarating and joyful. The skill on display is matched by the performers’ charisma: they don’t just execute tricks, they draw you in with warmth and infectious enthusiasm.

The live music deserves a standing ovation of its own. Pulsing with West African rhythms, layered with soaring vocals and percussion, it fills the space with life. At times, the musicians feel like as much a part of the performance as the acrobats themselves, the two elements blending seamlessly into one vibrant whole.

Visually, the production is stunning. The staging and costumes glow with bold colours, creating a sense of celebration that feels both contemporary and timeless. While it may not have the emotional arc of more narrative-driven circus, WOW more than earns its name: dazzling, uplifting, and impossible not to admire.

****

Reviewed by Claire and Nina

Main Hall at Assembly

4.10pm – 5.10pm Until Aug 25