Cirque du Soleil Corteo has made its highly anticipated debut in Brisbane as part of the 2025 Australian tour. Corteo follows the hugely successful LUZIA, which toured Australia last year in celebration of 25 years of Cirque shows down under.
Corteo, the Italian word for cortege, is no ordinary parade. It’s a dreamlike procession imagined by a clown named Mauro. Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca of LUZIA fame, artists and acrobats sweep us into a world of fun, laughter, and awe. It all unfolds in a space somewhere between heaven and earth.
Since its creation in 2005, Corteo has been seen by over 12 million people spanning 30 countries. It’s the only Cirque show to use a central stage that divides the venue, with two audiences facing each other.
The poetic fantasy world of Corteo throws back to the late 14th century commedia dell’arte and traditional Italian circus. Scenes that feel Fellini inspired unfold, with a troupe of classic circus figures parading through. Mournful trombones sigh, cymbals crash, and voices chatter in Italian, French, and English.
The set design by Jean Rabasse is stunning, and the hand painted sheer curtain gives an otherworldly effect. This is especially so when combined with Martin Labrecque’s clever lighting and the constant presence of floating ‘angels.’ There is a transportive quality, which makes one feel like they have travelled somewhere from the comfort of their seat.
The show takes a slow burn approach in its presentation, and it would be mindful to sit close to the action to guarantee as much immersion as possible. The live clown band and accompanying singers are on full display, but if seated too far back, it can be hard to place where the sounds are coming from.
What sets Corteo apart from other circus shows are the characters. The Little Clown and Clowness, played by Grigor Pahlevanyan and Valentyna Paylevanyan, have been performing in this show since its inception. Once upon a time, the pair performed a hand balancing and contortion act.
I can only assume that age no longer allows their bodies to perform such tricks. Valentyna still has one of the most enchanting moments in the show, involving giant helium balloons which see her floating across the crowd.
An act that was noticeably missing from Brisbane’s opening night was the Harlequin juggling act. It had been swapped out for a diabolo (aka Chinese yo-yo) act instead.
A few of the most extraordinary acts in the show, which you probably won’t see anywhere else, are the ‘Paradise’ segment, featuring a sort of human trapeze (an act which has also been slightly modified since its inception but is still incredible), the Bouncing Beds, and the Chandelier aerial sequence.
The Paradise act kicks off the second half of the show. Officially known as Korean Cradle, it features a spectacular sequence that sees acrobats propelled through the air. No actual trapeze is involved, just sheer strength, precise teamwork and technical excellence.
As one of the most charming acts in Corteo, the Bouncing Beds segment sees pyjama-clad ‘children’ bounce, flip, and soar in a dazzling sequence. (Who didn’t try that at home when they were growing up?) Trampoline has long been a Cirque specialty, and indeed, a staple of most Australian childhoods. This inventive twist is pure delight.
The chandelier aerialist act includes Australian Kristi Buckley, adding a homegrown touch to the show. She performs alongside a talented group representing Mauro’s old flames, gathered to pay homage to a man they’ve all loved.
Coming off the back of last year’s spectacular LUZIA, expectations for Corteo were always going to be high. While the show charms with its whimsy and poetic flair, it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of breathtaking spectacle we’ve come to associate with Cirque du Soleil.
A few more dazzling circus acts would have lifted the production to match its enchanting storytelling. With ticket prices sitting at the top end, and plenty of competition during Brisbane Festival, audiences understandably expect nothing less than the best in the world. Corteo offers beauty and imagination, but perhaps not quite the wow factor that Cirque is famous for.
Cirque du Soleil Corteo runs in Brisbane to 28 September at the Entertainment Centre and then completes its tour in Adelaide.
Tickets are on sale here.
Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/corteo.cirquedusoleil/
Photo credits: Maja Prgomet, Johan Persson, Aldo Arguello
2025 Remaining Australian Tour Dates
Brisbane 18 – 28 September, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Adelaide 2 – 5 October, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
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One response to “Review: Cirque Corteo Brings Whimsy And Wonder To Brisbane”
My first time to this venue and must say the whole experience was disappointing. Traffic from Sunshine Coast to Brisbane took 2.5 hours on M1. Venue parking was horrendous, expensive and extremely slow. Entry to facility was uncoordinated, unclear and inappropriate. I watched as a mother carrying a toddler with another in hand being made to empty her bag to check baby bottles etc on the ground. The show was ok however the venue was too big to enjoy as seating was very uncomfortable and crowded. Exiting was worse than entry given only one exit point! Wouldn’t go to anything there again.
Went to another circ show in Sydney in mid 2000 that was in a large circus tent which was intimate and welcoming. Absolutely loved it, both shows talents and skills were excellent but unfortunately the business has lost touch of atmosphere in place of business$$$.