REVIEW: CIRCUS OF HORRORS (Cabinet Of Curiosities) UK Tour @ Victoria Hall, Stoke

 

 

The cult hit Circus Of Horrors has been wowing audiences around the world since 1995,  the brainchild of Doctor John Haze who sadly passed away in 2023, but has left behind his mark on the entertainment scene in no small measure with this amazing entertainment. Part freak show, part circus spectacular, part rock show - its a journey through the twisted hell of circus and boy is it fun!

The loss of Doctor Haze as the shows ring master and guiding mercurial presence might have been a severe blow to the brand but thankfully they have found a sinister and hilarious mistress of ceremonies in the shape of Baby Lame, a self titled 'punk drag superstar' who has been drafted in and fits perfectly into the collection of weird and wonderful performers who make up the Circus Of Horrors company. Lame's banter and charisma really hold the show together.  I don't think we will be asking 'Whatever Happened To Baby Lame?' anytime soon.

Baby Lame

The company of the talented and the bizzare make sure the circus never stops,  all to a pulsating rock soundtrack with a brilliant live band 'Doctor Haze's Inceptors From Hell' lead by Elspeth Foster on lead vocals.  They are worth the price of admission alone.  

Trying to describe the show to anyone not there is nigh on impossible,  its a fusion of so many things with performers who bring multi skills to the night.  Kudos to each and every one with their talents, and what surprising talents they are.  Anatasia IV and her husband Hannibal Hellmeurto are the masters of the 'peep from behind your hands' moments. Hellmeurto will swallow anything... and we mean anything...  More traditional circus fayre comes from Mongolia's The Serpent Sisters,  a dazzling aerial act, and Italy's fantastic Gore Doom,  juggler extraordinaire.  Double jointed Voodoo King,  the human pin cushion Blue Jigsaw,  aerial and strength act Priest and Pandora and the super sexy Deadly Divas  all added to the cult of mayhem that pervades the show.  With the stage bathed in fire and a guillotine showing what happens to those who offend the Circus freaks,  it is a sensory feast from beginning to end.  

Anybody worried that the absence of  Doctor Haze would affect the quality of the show should think again.  We would like to think he was looking down - or more likely looking up! - and investing the experience with his mastery of the dark arts and unrivalled showmanship.  If the company had set out to put on a show in tribute to Haze, they couldn't have done a better job.  The Circus Of Horrors, now in its 29th year, is in rude health (and we do mean RUDE).  

Welcome to the Carn-evil folks and enjoy what has become a legend of circus and the strange.  Catch it while you can. Or die trying.

Ian & Rob

(with thanks to Callum Fradley for the photos)

Further information can be found at the CIRCUS OF HORRORS OFFICIAL WEBSITE