Following the critically acclaimed UK tour of Quidam, which took the Metro Radio Arena by storm, Cirque Du Soleil is to return to the venue with its vibrant production Saltimbanco.

Read a review of Quidam.

Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil's longest-running major touring show, having been on the road since 1992. It has enjoyed sell-out success across the globe in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, performing to more than 11million fans.

Classic Cirque at its best, Saltimbanco is a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry and agility.

It features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles by a cast of more than 50 artists hailing from 20 countries.



From almost impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese poles or the Russian swing, to the gravity-defying bungees and trapeze, the crowd-pleasing juggling and acrobatic bicycle plus the celebrated and very unique clowns.

Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together by uplifting spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humour and enchanting music and magic.

Full of colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show.



Saltimbanco, which comes from the Italian saltare in banco which means "to jump on a bench", explores the cityscape, from the people who live there, their likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers.

Phil Bowdery, boss of touring at Live Nation, promoters of the show, said: "We are thrilled to be bringing Saltimbanco to cities across the UK.

"The show is a signature Cirque du Soleil sensation – a vibrant, uplifting, colorful show, one of the most prolific in Cirque's repertoire.

"Created as an antidote to violence and despair, this show proposes a new vision of urbanity, overflowing with optimism and happiness."

The world premiere of Saltimbanco was held in Montreal on April 23, 1992, and featured a cast of 36 performers.

During its 14-year tour under the big top the show visited 75 cities on five continents, for a total of more than 4,000 performances given before a combined audience of more than 11million people worldwide.

In 2007, Saltimbanco was restructured for a new venue in the form of large arenas.

Over 21 weeks, it was restaged to adapt to the new venue size. The stage on which the artists perform was raised and the sound and lighting was adjusted.

Saltimbanco can be seen at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, from June 30, to July 4.

Tickets cost £40 and £50 and can be bought by phoning 0844 493 6666 or visiting www.metroradioarena.co.uk