Royal Albert Hall hosts the spectacular Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria: In a New Light

We were fortunate enough to be among the first UK audience to experience Alegría: In a New Light at the stunning Royal Albert Hall for the dress rehearsal on Wednesday, 10th January. 

It’s not often I still have goosebumps after a show finishes but that was certainly the case with this performance. And it was nothing to do with the temperature either. The fire juggling/throwing acrobats made sure of that, heating things up for the audience with an enthralling fire knife dance. In fact the whole show was high octane, full of energy and enough to warm up the coldest of January nights. 

We were on the edge of seats, not knowing what incredible display would unfold before us next, with breathtaking choreography, acrobats and spellbounding performances.

This production marks the 30th anniversary of the original Cirque du Soleil Alegria: In a New Light show and it has stood the test of time. The show has been reimagined for a new generation to enjoy with special group rates available. I’ve heard about a number of GTOs taking big groups along to see the show - they’re all in for a treat. 

We were on the edge of seats, not knowing what incredible display would unfold before us next, with breathtaking choreography, acrobats and spellbounding performances.

There’s everything you’d expect from a Cirque du Soleil show, and so much more. My personal highlight, if I’m really pushed because it was all incredible, was the beautiful aerial straps display. Embodying the connection between earth and sky, the two artists intertwined for a mesmerising performance, there were plenty of ooohs and aaahs.

The talented cast made each of their amazing performances look so easy, you lose yourself in the moment, from the magnificent hula hoop performer all the way through to the stunning finale, which I won’t spoil, just to say that you won’t be disappointed. 

There was plenty of humour too with the loveable and zany Clowns. 

The story and concept of Alegría: In a New Light

The Cirque du Soleil production of Alegría (‘joy’ in Spanish) whisks audiences away to a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and acrobatic extravagance.

At the heart of a once-glorious kingdom that has lost its king, Alegría: In a New Light witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and the younger generation who are striving for hope and renewal. As the court jester clumsily tries to take the throne, a growing desire for change emerges from the street to defy the status-quo and bring joy to the world.

Since it first premièred in 1994, Alegría has become one of the most popular Cirque du Soleil shows and has been seen by over 14 million people in 255 cities across 40 countries until the end of its 19-year world tour in 2013. Its original production performed five successful runs in London from 1998, including four residencies at the Royal Albert Hall.

In 2019, Alegría was revived and creatively reinterpreted in a new light. Stage direction, music, acrobatics, sets, costumes, lighting and make-up designs were re-energised with an international cast of 62 acrobats, clowns, musicians, and singers. 

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984 near Québec City in Canada, the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group now produces world-renowned circus arts shows that wow audiences across the globe. Since its creation more than 378 million people have been inspired on six continents and 86 countries. There are now more than 4,000 employees, including 1,200 artists from 80 different nationalities.

Cirque du Soleil started its annual residency at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996, and the 2022 presentation of KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities became the best-selling Cirque du Soleil show ever in the UK.