Candelabra-balancing knotted contortionists, plate-spinning oriental divas and a sumptuous lion dance performance are just a few of the spectacular sights to be seen at The Chinese State Circus, which comes to the Beck Theatre later this month.
Encompassing world-class gymnastics and martial arts, the sensational two-hour show sees the world famous Shaolin Temple Warriors join forces with The Tai An Acrobatic Troupe, who hail from Mount Tai - one of China's sacred mountains and home to some of the country's greatest poets, artists, scholars and warriors for more than 2,000 years.
These masters of martial arts will stretch the limits of human achievement with their extraordinary acrobatics, which are combined with the deadly grace of the Shaolin schools of Kung Fu, Wu Shu and Qigong.
The entire show will be narrated by one of the most famous characters in Chinese folklore - the Monkey King.
Hailed by an Evening Standard reviewer as "The most exhilarating circus it has ever been my privilege to see," the skill of the acrobats is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine as they back flip through spiralling hoops and balance on poles. Forget about clowns and performing seals - this is a circus like no other!
The Beck Theatre is offering two lucky Gazette readers a pair of tickets to see The Chinese State Circus in action. For your chance to win, simply answer the following question correctly:
Q: Chinese New Year 2009 celebrates which animal?
a) Ox
b) Octopus
c) Orangutan
Send your answer, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Chinese State Circus Competition, Uxbridge Gazette, Gazette House, 2nd Floor, 28 Bakers Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1RG.
Closing date Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Usual TMS conditions apply.
