This is London Magazine February Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 18
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
The critically acclaimed OVO by
Cirque du Soleil is returning to the
Royal Albert Hall this month. The joyful
and acrobatic celebration of the insect
world has shows running until 1 March.
Created in 2009, the famous
show OVO (egg in Portuguese) by
Cirque du Soleil returns to the venue
with reimagined set design, new
acrobatic acts, original characters,
added costumes and reinvented music.
OVO dazzles more than ever with its
fascinating insect colony, bringing
together 53 acrobats and musicians in a
show that delights both adults and
children.
Seen by over 7 million people in
more than 40 countries, the 53 worldclass performers from 25 countries
includes two incredible British talents
who will have a special homecoming at
the Royal Albert Hall. Robin Beer, who
was born in Hammersmith, is a rare
Cirque du Soleil British clown and plays
the character The Voyager. With a
background in music, mask work, and
devised theatre, Robin brings humour,
warmth, and a uniquely British spirit to
the show. Additionally, Lydia Harper,
originally from Warwick and now based
in London, returns as Artistic Director
of OVO. A former circus acrobat and
actress with a strong foundation in
physical theatre and movement
direction, Lydia has been a creative force
within Cirque du Soleil since 2015.
Featuring over 100 cast and crew
members, the show brings to life a
colourful world of crickets, ants,
butterflies, spiders, beetles, and more,
set against a striking visual backdrop of
giant flowers and a towering 19-meter
climbing wall.
At its heart is a charming love story
between a quirky fly and a spirited
ladybug, unfolding around a mysterious
egg that sparks curiosity and
transformation. Combining breathtaking
acts like aerial silks, Chinese poles,
trampoline wall, contortion, foot
juggling, cradle, and slackwire, the show
celebrates biodiversity, community, and
the joy of discovery through dazzling
acrobatics, surreal costumes, and a
high-energy Brazilian-inspired
soundtrack.
Since premiering in 2009, OVO has
captivated audiences young and old with
its warmth wonder and spectacular
circus artistry. This London run
promises a fresh take on a fan favourite
offering a playful story, unforgettable
music and awe-inspiring artistry in an
immersive theatrical experience suitable
for all ages.
Tickets: www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo
NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE WORLD
PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS
As the year long celebrations for its
70th anniversary begin, the National
Youth Theatre is to present two unique
productions that will showcase talent
both from its famous alumni and its REP
company of young actors aged between
18 and 25.
The season begins with the World
Premiere of Handel & Hendrix, in a
concert version of a new ‘baroque and
roll’ musical about two legends of opera
and rock with a book by BAFTA
Breakthrough Brit and NYT alum Susan
Wokoma. The production will premiere
at St James’s Church from 4-7 February.
NYT Artistic Director Paul Roseby will
direct with music from Naomi
Hammerton.
Music giants Handel and Hendrix
lived next door to each other in London,
separated only by time, and a very thin
wall. When a young girl who has run
away from home visits the current
Handel and Hendrix Museum she
decides to outstay her welcome. This is
a story of finding your home, of being
seen, and ultimately of letting go of the
things that haunt us.
NYT Artistic Director & CEO Paul
Roseby said: ‘This is a story about being
an outsider, finding your home, and
living forever. We’re excited to have
assembled such a stellar team and cast
to honour two young musicians who
moved to London, made it their creative
home and made musical history. Join us
to support a new company of young
talent making their mark on the London
creative scene with a joyous new
musical.’
Handel and Hendrix
18
Now in its 12th year, The National
Youth Theatre’s REP company, which
offers a vital free alternative to formal
training, will return with two productions
in early 2026. This year 18 young
people between the ages of 18 and 25
make up the NYT REP Company.
The REP Season will be launched at
an anti-Valentine’s Day screening at
ODEON Luxe Holloway, supported by
Hammer Films, part of John Gore
Studios, who will support this world
premiere production of Dracula. Hammer
is an iconic British production company
renowned for being a trailblazer in the
Gothic Horror genre. Visit nyt.org.uk
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