My PIAF 2018 experience started with a thrilling acrobatic performance by the circus collective Compagnie XY. The performance, called 'Il N'est Pas Encore Minuit (It's Not Yet Midnight)', left me revelling in the strength, power and grace of the 22 French performers who literally defied gravity. 

The show started with the diverse range of cast members walking out onto an empty Regal Theatre stage. Suddenly a group of men began to play fight like animals in the Sahara desert. Then, the female cast members got involved and the entire group was in a state of violence. Slowly, the violence transcends into a collective of strength and unity, underpinned by a striking soundtrack.

The stage was minimal, and the human body was the primary apparatus in the show. The scenes were bursting with a diversity of skills. Whilst there were some slight mishaps in the trickier lifts, they were certainly made up for in the overall thrilling routines. The concepts of community and strength resonated throughout the production, however, the brief speech at the conclusion of the show provided a lovely sentiment on working together. 

'Alone we go faster but together we go further.'

'It's Not Yet Midnight' runs until Saturday 17 February at the Regal Theatre. Tickets available here.