Expert Review: Why Cirque du Soleil: OVO Is A Must-See

4.7
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

Cirque du Soleil: OVO delivers a breathtaking journey into a vibrant ecosystem where the smallest creatures create the biggest impact. This isn't just acrobatics – it's storytelling through movement that transforms Royal Albert Hall into a living, breathing natural world.

What Makes It Special

  • Insect Kingdom: A mesmerising exploration of biodiversity where grasshoppers leap impossible heights and spiders weave through aerial silk.
  • Athletic Artistry: World-class acrobats push human limits while embodying the grace and power of insects in their natural habitat.
  • Royal Albert Hall Magic: The iconic venue's acoustics amplify the live music while the circular stage brings audiences into the heart of the action.
  • Universal Wonder: A show that speaks to all ages without words, celebrating the beauty and complexity of nature's smallest inhabitants.

Perfect For

Families seeking wonder, circus enthusiasts, first-time Cirque du Soleil viewers, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of athleticism and artistry. The nature theme makes it especially captivating for children and adults alike.

Everything You Need to Know

Enter the Insect Kingdom

OVO (meaning "egg" in Portuguese) takes audiences on a journey to a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, play, fight, and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. A mysterious egg appears, setting the stage for nature's most incredible circus.

What to Expect

  • Breathtaking acrobatics inspired by insect movements and behaviours
  • Live musicians and singers creating an immersive soundscape
  • Stunning costumes that transform performers into living creatures
  • Death-defying aerial acts and ground-based feats of strength
  • A celebration of biodiversity that educates while it entertains

The Magic of Nature

Through incredible athletic feats, OVO celebrates the beauty of biodiversity and the relationships between species. Watch grasshoppers perform incredible leaps, see butterflies soar through silk aerial acts, and witness the intricate dance of a spider's web come to life.

The Cirque du Soleil Experience

Signature Acts to Watch For

  • Grasshopper Banquine: Incredible jumping and tumbling sequences that defy gravity
  • Butterfly Wall: Aerial silks performance that transforms the stage into a living garden
  • Spider Web: Intricate aerial straps routine performed within a giant web structure
  • Foreigner Fleas: High-energy hand-balancing on towering canes
  • Ants: Foot juggling act that showcases incredible strength and coordination

Live Music & Soundscape

OVO features an original score performed live by musicians and singers, creating an immersive audio experience that complements the visual spectacle. The music blends world influences with contemporary sounds to create the heartbeat of this insect ecosystem.

Cirque Fact: Each OVO performance requires over 50 artists from around the world, including acrobats, musicians, singers, and actors, all working together to bring this insect world to life.

Practical Information

Performance Schedule

  • January 2026: Multiple shows weekly
  • Tickets on sale: Friday 10am
  • Show times: Typically 7:30pm (evenings) and 2:30pm (matinees)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes including interval

Getting to Royal Albert Hall

  • Tube: South Kensington Station (5 minutes walk)
  • Bus: Multiple routes including 9, 10, 52, 70
  • Car: Limited parking - public transport recommended
  • Cycling: Bike racks available nearby

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible areas with advance booking
  • Step-free access via multiple entrances
  • Hearing loops available in designated areas
  • Large print programmes available on request

Age Guidance

  • Suitable for all ages - perfect family entertainment
  • No dialogue - purely visual and musical storytelling
  • Contains some loud music and strobe lighting effects