Urban grit meets gravity-defying grace in Cirque Éloize: iD Reloaded, a show that doesn’t just entertain — it electrifies. I saw the performance last night at the Wales Millennium Centre, and from the first beat, it was clear this wasn’t your typical circus. It’s a visceral, high-octane blend of acrobatics, street dance, and storytelling, stitched together with the pulse of a city that never stops moving.
Set against a rugged inner-city backdrop, the staging and lighting projections create a world that feels both raw and cinematic. The cast, each one a master of their craft, delivers jaw-dropping stunts with precision and soul. Florence Amar’s aerials are breathtaking, while Bryan ‘Slinky’ Boyer and Lakesshia ‘Kiki’ Pierre bring an infectious energy to the b-boy and b-girl sequences. Alexia Medesan’s contortion work is hypnotic, and Christophe Bate’s Cyr wheel and straps defy logic. JP Deltell, Adam Dransfield, and Kayden Woodridge light up the trampoline with impossible fluidity, while Trevor Bodogh’s trial bike sequences had the audience audibly gasping.
But this isn’t just spectacle. The show moves seamlessly between playful, almost comedic moments, including audience participation, and emotionally charged sequences that speak through movement alone. It’s impressive how much feeling can be conveyed without a single word.
At times, it feels like West Side Story reimagined through the lens of urban circus. Conflict, connection, identity, and community expressed through motion. The audience was enthralled, and rightly so. iD Reloaded is a celebration of physical storytelling, and a reminder that emotion doesn’t always need dialogue. It can soar, flip, and land with perfect timing.
Cirque Éloize have created something truly special. If you get the chance to see it, don’t hesitate.
Cirque Éloize will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 1st October, so get your tickets now!
You can find out more about Cirque Éloize on their Facebook and Instagram!
And keep up to date on everything happening at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
All photo credits to Caroline Thibault
