By Elinor Day

THE Southampton O2 Guildhall has certainly seen its fair share of events in its decades of service. Over the years, an eclectic mix of occasions including comedy showcases, rock shows and clothing fairs have all graced the iconic building’s hallowed halls. However, one thing that the venerable Guildhall has almost certainly never seen before is a show like the Circus of Horrors.

This is a show with a difference; an astonishing gothic variety show which combines music, comedy, magic and a selection of increasingly jaw dropping stunts to create a fantastic performance quite unlike anything else. In the first half of the show alone, the audience were able to bear witness to a few truly eye-popping spectacles including a woman swinging across the stage by her hair, a sword swallower forcing a glowing tube of mercury down his throat and three acrobat-cum-contortionists pushing their bodies seemingly beyond the limits of human endurance. In between the dazzling stunts, circus ringmaster Dr Haze and his gorgeous sidekick kept the audience entertained with their blackly comedic witty banter and a selection of sinister and creepy rock music numbers.

Of course, as anyone who witnessed the Circus’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent knows, the real highlight of the show is when the talented performers get to bring out the fire and show off their pyromaniac sides and the fiery finale certainly made for a shocking and enthralling climax to this incredible show. So, it might not be suitable for the very young or the easily frightened but there’s no doubt that the Circus of Horrors provides one of the most unique and entertaining nights out you can find if you happen to have a slightly twisted mind.