Thursday 15 February 2024 Duncan Fisher (OL86), President of the Touring Show Division of Cirque du Soleil, will be returning to his native Leeds in April 2024 – along with 23 trucks. 鈥淲hen we鈥檙e doing an arena tour, we only need 23,鈥� he laughs. 鈥淲hen it鈥檚 a Big Top show, we bring 80.鈥� Once unpacked at Leeds鈥� First Direct Arena, the show will welcome thousands of spectators to see OVO: Cirque du Soleil鈥檚 first and only show starring bugs. 鈥淥VO is set in an insect colony, and stars an intrepid voyaging insect. It features clowns, contortionists, a girl suspended by her hair – oh, and two Olympians,鈥� Duncan explains. 鈥淓xpect lots of Brazilian influences in the colours, music and dance, some incredible acrobatics and a little bit of a love story.鈥� What should first-timers know about going to see a Cirque show? 鈥淎t Cirque du Soleil, we don鈥檛 just create stories – we create worlds,鈥� says Duncan. 鈥淲e鈥檙e much more interested in the audience imagining their own narrative than telling them what鈥檚 happening.鈥� And OVO, says Duncan, is a great entry point for those new to Cirque du Soleil. 鈥淚t鈥檚 probably our most family friendly show,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so colourful and energetic, and it鈥檚 so accessible. The characters don鈥檛 speak English; they use bug language.鈥� 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to bring Cirque to Leeds which gives me an excuse to come home! 鈥� Having been away for six years, Duncan is looking forward to meeting up with friends at an OVO performance, heading out for dinner – and perhaps even catching a match. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to go to Elland Road while I鈥檓 home,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 was in San Francisco recently and was lucky enough to meet the Chairman of Leeds United there – so I鈥檓 really, really hoping we can make it happen!鈥� 鈥� OVO will be at Leeds Direct Arena 4-7 ~April 2024. Tickets are available . Image: Vlad Lorenzo; OVO Alumni
