The entertainment phenomenon that is Circus Cortex wowed the crowds at Stonham Barns Park in Suffolk over the weekend. The performers brought an explosive extravaganza of entertainment to those who love a visit to the Big Top for a demonstration of physical bravery, creative expression and pure entertainment.

The new show – the newly enhanced ‘Masquerade’ which is touring the UK – followed on from the success of the previous spectacular shows ‘The Edge’ and ‘Golden Age’ which prevously thrilled crowds up and down the country.

Masquerade was a riot of colour and energy – an unforgettable evening where mystery meets spectacle; as behind every mask is a face and behind every face is a story.   The dazzling show looks to see if we are our truest self in a spotlight or only when we are hidden behind a mask.  It’s the exploration of the Masquerade Ball which is a place where the weird, the wonderful and the utterly unexpected come alive.

The audience was encouraged to dress to impress and join in by wearing a mask for the performance.

Through the art of circus – the mainly Ukrainian performers – rolled out non-stop theatre and thrills. There were breathtaking stunts, pulse racing action and, of course, lots of clowning around.

The show’s Director and Producer is Irina Archer who started as a professional gymnast competing around the world before joining global shows and companies including ‘Releve’, ‘Tihany’ and ‘Ringling Brothers’ and ‘Barnum & Bailey.  On returning to the UK, she worked as an agent for large circuses before launching Circus Cortex.

Says Irina, ‘Circus Cortex is a top Cirque with a difference. You never know what to expect and this year we have turned up the volume, the thrills and the risk.’

‘Anyone who has been to a performance will know that it’s an immersive experience where the performers go all out to put on an extravaganza that the audience will never forget.’

‘We are so fortunate to have acclaimed performers from the Ukraine – who are among the best entertainers in the world – and they are giving every performance their all as they tour the UK to amaze audiences with their talents.’

‘Behind every performer is a story and this makes the energy and enthusiasm they deliver to the audience all the more incredible. As they say, it’s the Greatest Show on Earth!’

Follow Circus Cortex at @circuscortexuk on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.