WITH death-defying stunts and breathtaking acrobatics, Cirque Berserk is constantly pushing the boundaries of the possible.

The show launched five years ago in a bid to take circus acts to the next level.

Since then, Cirque Berserk, which has just completed an acclaimed run at London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, has built a reputation for its avant-garde blend of tradition, innovative stunts and aerial tricks.

“It came out of some work I was doing with Zippos Circus,” said founder and producer Martin Burton. “They wanted to offer something a bit edgier. It’s not silly clowns with red noses smiling at kiddies. It’s quite hard-edged and stunt-orientated.

“We have a man throwing knives at his wife and I’ve never seen anybody throw knives quite so fast, or get quite so close to the target. Every act is pushing the boundary in one way or another. And there is something for everybody. It’s as much for the adults as it is for the children.”

Cirque Berserk boasts what has been touted as the world’s most perilous circus act – the Globe of Terror.

The stunt sees three motorcyclists riding in an enclose steel globe with a volunteer standing in the middle for good measure.

“It’s never been done before in theatres except by Cirque Berserk,” explained Martin, who himself “ran away to join the circus” 40 years ago and never looked back.

“There is a volunteer – another wife from the circus, it’s a dangerous business to marry into – who at one point stands among them and they miss her by a whisker.

“What we have done is look around the world for the best of everything.

“We have the best acrobats from Kenya and Cuba and the Globe of Terror comes from South America. I travel the world to find top-class acts.”

Cirque Berserk will be at the Wyvern Theatre between Sunday, January 18 and Tuesday, January 20 up to twice a day. Tickets cost between £17.50 and £23. To book call 01793 524481 or go to swindontheatres.

co.uk.

– MARION SAUVEBOIS