Theater Review: Afrique and Cirque (Southbank Centre)

They make their first appearance in the UK, Africa in the circus is billed as “an indescribable display of acrobatics, artistry and Afro-jazz rhythms”.

It’s here in London as part of the Southbank Centre You belong here celebration of summer, which itself continues until September 8.

But this show’s stay is unfortunately short, ending on July 28. If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, you’ll witness one of the most joyful ensembles I’ve ever seen in a circus.

Choreographed by Yamoussa Bangoura, whose effervescent personality shines through the entire ninety-minute show, Africa in the circus aims to “symbolize the strength, agility and joy of contemporary African youth culture” with “powerful storytelling at its core.

Besides Bangoura herself, the cast includes the lead actresses Mama Adama Soumah and M’mahawa Soumah, the acrobats Alya Sylla and Ismael Bangoura and the contortionist Mohamed Ben Sylla (whose astonishing ability to manipulate his body drew admiring glances).

Seuss Fu-Rubin (sax), Kevin T Jones (drums) and Abdhak Benmedjebari (guitar) provide the powerful backing musicians, with lighting by Stéphane Ménigot.

Kalabanté Productions, the company behind Africa in the circushas both an artistic and humanitarian purpose, with cultural exchanges between Canada and Guinea.

A mother sitting next to me explained the show to her son in these terms: “people doing amazing things with their bodies.” And so it was, with power, style and assurance.

If you enjoy power drumming, lifts, tumbles and seeing what the human body can do at its extremes, Africa in the circus is for you. It never ends. Everyone left laughing and in a good mood.

I’m sure this won’t be the last time you see this company here.

Africa in the circus has its final shows on July 28th at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. For details and tickets for events in the You belong here series go here.

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