The iconic Cirque du Soleil has brought its buzzy production, OVO, back to the Royal Albert Hall in London, but this is not quite the same show that audiences may remember. The insect-themed extravaganza, running from 20 January to 1 March 2026, has undergone a significant and welcome refresh, particularly in its approach to humour.
A Welcome Update for a Modern Audience
Reviewers have noted a crucial improvement in this latest incarnation. The original version of OVO featured clowning segments that many found dated and uncomfortably misogynistic, involving male flies and a female ladybird character. In OVO 2.0, these sections have been thoughtfully toned down and revised, making the show far more suitable for its substantial family audience. This conscious decision to modernise the production's comedy is a clear step forward for the Quebecois circus giant.
The Signature Cirque Experience: Hits and Misses
At its core, the structure of the show will feel familiar to Cirque du Soleil regulars. Directed by Deborah Colker, the two-hour performance at the Royal Albert Hall follows a tried-and-tested formula. The insect theme, while visually suggested through Liz Vandal's vivid costumes and Gringo Cardia's lush jungle set, often takes a backseat during the acrobatic acts, where performers appear as humans in lycra.
The show's content can be broadly split into three parts. Approximately a third comprises the revised clowning, which now centres on a giant egg but remains a weaker narrative thread. Another third consists of elegant, if not heart-stopping, acrobatics set to ambient music. The final third, however, delivers the breathtaking, "face-meltingly impressive" feats that define the Cirque du Soleil brand.
Standout Moments and Visual Splendour
Among the highlights is a surprisingly haunting and elegant glow-in-the-dark diabolo routine. The undisputed showstopper, however, is the first-half finale, where teams of acrobats fling each other through the air at great height in a phenomenal display of strength and trust. These moments of sheer, physics-defying spectacle are what audiences crave.
While some segments feel more pedestrian, the overall visual design compensates. From the weird and wonderful mantis costumes in the background to Mateo Amieva's vividly hued clown-fly, the stage is a constant feast for the eyes, creating a vibrant, overgrown garden world.
In conclusion, the revised OVO is described as a "bog-standard average" Cirque du Soleil show, but that in itself marks an undeniable improvement on its predecessor. It offers a family-friendly, visually stunning night out that delivers enough moments of pure wonder to satisfy, even if the whole doesn't consistently reach those dizzying heights.
Performance Details: OVO runs at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP (nearest Tube: South Kensington) until 1 March 2026. Tickets range from £44.90 to £189.90 for shows that last approximately two hours.
