Press Releases

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL BRINGS
VAREKAI TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

In honour of its 25th anniversary, Cirque du Soleil today announces it will bring a London favourite – the awe-inspiring Varekai – to the Royal Albert Hall in January 2010.

Having amazed an audience of more than half a million with Quidam during its last visit, the spectacular Cirque du Soleil is set to enthrall crowds again with its much-loved Varekai.

Teresa Meriläinen, Cirque du Soleil spokeswoman, said: "We experienced sell-out shows last time we brought Varekai to London.  Our fans have always expected the very best from us, so to celebrate our 25th birthday in true Cirque du Soleil style, we're planning the return of Varekai and even more standing ovations."

The word Varekai means "wherever" in the Romany language of the gypsies and this show promises to take any viewer wherever they dream.

Conceived by Cirque du Soleil's new generation artistic team including Dominic Champagne (acclaimed for writing and directing The Beatles show LOVE and the erotic Zumanity, both Las Vegas stalwarts), Varekai engages the spirit and art of the circus tradition with jaw-dropping acrobatic choreography set to beautifully crafted music.

Cirque du Soleil will be opening Varekai with a red carpet premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in early January 2010.

The official sponsors are American Express and CGI.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW at www.cirquedusoleil.com for Cirque du Soleil club members.

To get your Cirque du Soleil Varekai tickets before they are released to the general public on September 24th, simply become a Cirque Club member.  It's free (just visit www.cirquedusoleil.com and click through to 'Join Cirque Club' in the upper left-hand corner) so sign-up to enjoy exclusive access to pre-sale tickets and the best seats in the house.

Price List
P1: £75
P2: £65
P3: £50
P4: £30
P5: £20
Tapis Rouge (VIP package): £180

Varekai by numbers
Seven days will be needed to construct the set
80 apartments will be needed to house the 180 cast and crew
250 hours will be spent cleaning and maintaining the costumes every week
450 costumes, shoes, wigs and hats will be worn
1,000 tons of equipment will be used

Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including more than a 1,000 artists.
 
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 19 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d'Or de Montreux.  Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com.