FOR the premiere of Varekai, their latest spectacle to reach the UK (or those parts of it outside London, at least), Cirque Du Soleil have returned to the big top for a more traditional demonstration of their very special talents.

Traditional, that is, as far as the Cirque conform to that idea, which of course is not at all.

Gymnasts swan dived from the roof, and contorted themselves into impossible shapes, others hurled themselves skywards, landing from seemingly impossible twists and spins to gasps from the crowd.

The “Icaran Games” saw gymnasts juggling each others’ bodies on their feet in a stunt of unbelievable grace and drama.

Celebrities including Coronation Street’s Vicky Binns, Alan Halsall, John Thomson, Tupele Dorgu and Vicky Entwistle, plus veteran television broadcaster Gordon Burns and Strictly Come Dancing and Hollyoaks heartthrob Ricky Whittle thronged the VIP area before the start of the show.

But it was Shameless’s Gerard Kearns who found himself on stage with the two clowns, Steven Bishop and Mooky Cornish, as the unwitting assistant to their shambolic “magic show”. White rabbits and disappearing ladies have never been so hilarious.

The grand finale was the dramatic Russian Swings. Proving that you can wear gold lycra and makeup without looking the least bit camp, the Cirque gymnasts flew like flaming meteors across the stage, to the audience’s whoops of appreciation.

Yes, there is a plot to this show, but it is barely worth mentioning. This is pure circus, and well deserved the standing ovation it received.

* Until March 21.