The European Entertainment Corporation presents

The Chinese State Circus featuring the world famous Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors

Reviewed at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday 27^th January 2009.

The tour continues until the end of May 2009.

I really enjoyed this spectacular event which was performed to a high standard and was very entertaining. The performers were graceful and accomplished and sometimes made it look easy, although it clearly wasn’t. They all appeared to enjoy what they were doing. The Monkey King welcomed the audience, introduced the Artistes and wished us Goodbye at the end. The whole show was very upbeat, including the music.

The costumes were very colourful and attractive and added to the enjoyment of the spectacle. I particularly liked the spinning plates, I had not seen it done like this before. I also enjoyed the Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors and the Young Shaolin. The Lion Dance before the interval was also very good.

The Monkey King welcomed us back after the interval and then it was the Sensational Chinese Bicycles which were excellent. They made some of their act look easier than it was. This was followed by the Two Monkeys. Then we had the Diabolos which was another of my favourites. Following this there was more from the excellent Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors. Then there was another act I really liked, the Sensual Silks who had received a 2008 World Circus Awards nomination. After this there was the Hoop Diving, which was thoroughly enjoyable and some of it was sensational. There was then an Olympic Nation Finale.

I think this show is well worth seeing, for not only was it an excellent performance, it is not often that we get such an opportunity. I found this performance very energising and it lifted my spirits on a grey January evening. It was an excellent start to the Chinese New Year.

The Chinese State Circus played Milton Keynes Theatre from 27th January - Sunday 1^st February 2009. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee). www.miltonkeynestheatre.com.

The tour then continues with dates listed on the Chinese State Circus website until the end of May 2009. www.chinesestatecircus.com.