A joyful, acrobatic celebration of the insect world, Cirque du Soleil’s OVO returns to the Royal Albert Hall with a renewed sense of energy. Reimagined set design, refreshed costumes, new characters and reinvented music give the production a feeling of light reinvention, while staying true to the spirit that has long made it a favourite with family audiences.
At its centre is a gently drawn love story between a quirky fly and a spirited ladybird, unfolding around a mysterious egg that sparks curiosity and quiet transformation within the colony. The narrative is brought to life with engaging clowning sketches, featuring Robin Beer as the voyageur fly seeking guidance from Mateo Amieva’s Master Flipo in his quest to win the affection of Neiva Nascimento’s enchanting ladybug. The three performers are charismatic and captivating, providing delightful entertainment while the set is subtly transformed for the next act.
The opening act of the ‘antsy ants’ is a particular highlight, showcasing their strength and dexterity as they juggle giant kiwis and corns with their feet. Watching the chorus manage these objects with such precision, passing them to one another and even transferring themselves over each other, is a remarkable display of timing and coordination. Butterflies glide gracefully on aerial silks, Chinese poles and cradle work add moments of controlled daring, contortion and foot juggling demonstrate flexibility and finesse, and the crickets provide some of the show’s most exhilarating sequences as they spring across a trampoline wall with pinpoint accuracy.
What elevates OVO from impressive to unforgettable is the imaginative world created on stage. Gringo Cardia’s set design surrounds the performers with enormous, vibrant leaves and flowers that are actively interacted with, while Liz Vandal’s costumes are intricate, bright and full of playful detail, enhancing both the spectacle and the storytelling. Throughout, the ensemble work emphasises community, timing and trust, with performers moving in close formation, leaping and landing with confidence. A high-energy, Brazilian-inspired soundtrack underpins every sequence, giving the production a lively, carnival-like rhythm.
For those wishing to enhance the evening further, the Royal Albert Hall’s OVO Premium package offers a refined experience. Guests can enjoy pre-show drinks in the elegant 1871 Bar, return for interval refreshments, and take time to appreciate the grandeur of the venue, making the evening feel fully curated and indulgent.
OVO is a testament to the artistry and skill of Cirque du Soleil. Celebrating biodiversity, curiosity and the joy of discovery through dazzling acrobatics and imaginative design, it makes for an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable evening. In the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, it delivers colour, craft and an experience that captivates from start to finish.
OVO by Cirque du Soleil at Royal Albert Hall, London until 1 March 2026
