Cirque du Soleil's mindbending CORTEO coming to Royal Albert Hall in 2025

Cirque du Soleil is all set to return to London's Royal Albert Hall with the enchanting CORTEO, a joyous tale rooted in an immersive yet intimate viewing experience. While it has been staged before, the company promises some never-before-seen thrills in its upcoming production.

A celebration of joy

Cirque du Soleil debuted 40 years ago with just 20 dancers and a dream. From their humble beginnings as a small-town act in Quebec, the contemporary circus show evolved into a larger-than-life extravaganza that blends music, dance, mindbending illusions, and powerful storytelling to create one of the most immersive entertainment programs ever.

Of all the shows Cirque has staged, however, CORTEO stands out. The show premiered in 2005 in the act's hometown of Quebec and broke their previous record for ticket sales, seeing an audience of over 200,000 people. The show was later restaged in other cities and is now coming to London's Royal Albert Hall.

Welcome to the Cirque parade

CORTEO, an Italian word for "procession," is centered on Mauro the Dreamer Clown. Floating between heaven and earth, the Dreamer envisions his funeral. But instead of an expected somber procession, what transpires is a celebration of life itself. A beautifully poetic take on what the "clown show" of life is all about, this stunning production is a reminder to not let the little things get in the way of the joy and magic that defines being alive.

Helmed by director Daniele Finzi Pasca, CORTEO takes audiences through an impressively philosophical journey, and it is as artistic as it is acrobatic. The costumes draw inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries of Italian theater, particularly commedia dell'arte (or "comedy of the profession") that inspired playwrights like Shakespeare and Molière. The set and stage designs are inspired by various works of art including France's Chartres Cathedral and a painting by Adolphe Willette. Paired with brand new mesmerizing stunts and a multilingual score, the new CORTEO is destined to be a theatrical masterpiece.

Embark on a magical family-friendly journey with Mauro and the crew in Cirque du Soleil: CORTEO. Grab the best seats at the Royal Albert Hall before they run out!