First look at Corteo: next Cirque du Soleil spectacular touring Australia

Audiences in five Aussie cities are in store for a blend of “comedy and never-seen-before acrobatics” when Corteo arrives on our shores later this year. See the video.

Cirque du Soleil is bringing its latest stage spectacular, Corteo, to Australia this year.

Described as a “celebration of life”, the Italian-themed show will tour the country after wowing 12 million people in 30 countries across four continents since premiering in Montreal two decades ago.

It comes hot on the heels of the company’s sellout Australian tour of Mexican-inspired blockbuster Luzia.

“Corteo is a real celebration of life that blends comedy and never-seen-before acrobatics into a unique staging arrangement,” Cirque du Soleil’s Mike Newquist said.

“Australians who fell in love with the breathtaking artistry and storytelling of Luzia will be equally captivated by Corteo.”

Cirque du Soleil's Corteo features jaw-dropping acrobatics. Costumes: Dominique Lemieux. Picture: MajaPrgomet

Corteo translates to cortege in Italian. Costumes: Dominique Lemieux. Picture: Johan Persson

Corteo was the first Cirque du Soleil show created by director Daniele Finzi Pasca, who was also behind Luzia. Cirque first has been bringing shows to Australia for 26 years.

The production will kick off in Perth on August 8 before dates in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

The travelling show takes 500 road cases and 117 people – including 53 cast members – around the world.

In a first for Cirque, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue with each half of the audience facing the other half.

Corteo has been seen by more than 12 million people in 30 countries since 2005. Costumes: Dominique Lemieux. Picture: Johan Persson

Tickets for Corteo go on sale on February 24. Costumes: Dominique Lemieux. Picture: MajaPrgomet

The show follows clown Mauro, who pictures his own carnival-style funeral procession or cortege – “Corteo” in Italian – taking place as caring angels watch over him.

It is an upbeat celebration of a colourful life, highlighting the strength and fragility of the clown as well as his wisdom and kindness.

“It is no secret that Australians love Cirque du Soleil,” said Geoff Jones, of tour promoter TEG Group.

“We know Aussie fans will be blown away by Corteo. This show is everything that you love about Cirque du Soleil and so much more.”

Tickets go on sale on February 24 via Ticketek.

The journalist travelled to London to see Corteo as a guest of Cirque du Soleil.

Corteo’s Australian tour:

Perth Arena: August 8 to 10

Melbourne’s John Cain Arena: August 22 to 24

Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena: September 4 to 7

Brisbane Entertainment Centre: September 18 to 21

Adelaide Entertainment Centre: October 2 to 5

Originally published as First look at Corteo: next Cirque du Soleil spectacular touring Australia