Cirque du Luminaire- a hypnotic, modern circus spectacle

Cirque du Luminaire is an avant-garde circus experience like no other. Inspired by the timeless allure of Victorian circus and commedia dell’arte, this show reawakens the classic circus spirit through LED visuals, 3D holographic effects, and a powerful musical score. Here we explore what makes this production an unforgettable journey of storytelling, and pure visual magic.

Talk us through the concept of the show, an avant-garde circus show with a difference!

Cirque du Luminaire is about the re-awakening of circus performers. Each cast member plays a different character who is individually inspired by the ring master as we take the audience on a journey of empowerment and belief by telling a non-verbal story. Screen interaction adds to the circus feel being played out.

What are the key moments of the performance?

There are bespoke musical and vocal arrangements that have never been heard before, 3D holographic effects, LED visuals, handheld pois, LED hoops, indoor lasers and LX mirror costumes, plus indoor pyrotechnics and a death-defying stage illusion.

What is the inspiration behind Cirque du Luminaire?

We wanted to produce a modern, fresh and unique approach to a circus-inspired show, without the need to introduce outdated themes such as live animals. We knew we could not do large-scale flying, so instead introduced modern lighting effects and LED visuals to create an energetic and electrifying experience for the audience.

How does Cirque du Luminaire compare to other shows guests can see on board?

This show is a radically different concept to the other performances. Fused with and embracing modern technology, Cirque du Luminaire offers a wonderful contrast to the bespoke scripted-style show.

What about the storyline? How does the show make guests feel?

The plot focuses on the 10 main circus performers, whose stories intertwine through a fusion of music and a nonverbal narrative. The fil rouge is an up-to-date ringmaster as a raconteuse, tying all of the various tales together. This show will leave guests feeling uplifted, amused and engaged with the cast.

Let’s talk about the costumes and the set. What was the process like, from production to stage?

Starting with the 3D stage model we make to scale staging pieces to help us decide what will work visually. When deciding the set, we knew that the huge 9.5x4 metres of LED screen would play a key part in telling the story for each character. The 3D Arch way, Tunnel and Podiums have all be designed so that the colours reflect the screen images, people’s perceptions of a circus with an added feathered effect for depth and the colours chosen are a modern take on traditional look and feel.

Costume-wise, we took inspiration from commedia dell’arte, and a traditional Victorian circus, consolidated them together and then re-imaged and heightened these looks for a modern audience.

What would you say to guests who have never seen Cirque du Luminaire?

It’s a modern, energetic re-vision of a circus show with a lot of visual effects, stunning costumes and LED backdrops, backed by a powerful, outstanding tailor-made musical score that receives a standing ovation night after night.

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