In the large hall of the Villeneuve-sur-Lot exhibition center, Romain Greveldinger paces back and forth. A few hours before the first performance of the “Grande Féerie du cirque de Noël” (which is already sold out), the show he is producing is taking shape before his eyes. In total, around twenty international artists will perform 26 two-hour sessions, from November 29 to December 15. Coordination with the music, gestures, play of lights: the smallest detail is worked on in an attempt to approach perfection.
Above the circular sand track, one of the headliners is rehearsing. “I’ve been trying to get him to come for two years,” confides Romain, proud of his achievement. “Him” is Nilton Goncalves. A Portuguese trapeze artist, who is preparing a unique number in France. “He’s going to do what we call ‘ceiling trapeze’,” says the manager. It is therefore hanging by his feet, about ten meters from the ground, that the artist spends the morning.
From his trapeze, he repeats his movements, trying to be as synchronized as possible with the orchestra which, for the first time, will play all the music from the show live, in front of the audience. The melody, in an “epic” style, accentuates the exceptional and dangerous aspect of the number performed without any security. Two blocks of stands, which will accommodate 850 people, have been installed around the sand track, a few meters from the artists, thus reinforcing the immersion.
“I wanted to surprise the public”
A few hours before welcoming the first spectators, around twenty people are busy, both in the performance hall, but also in the entrance hall, decorated in Christmas colors. A tree several meters high sits proudly in the middle of the room, while stalls selling pancakes, popcorn and even drinks, reminiscent of the Strasbourg Christmas markets, have been set up.
“We had access to the room last Saturday, but by the time we got everything set up, we've only been rehearsing for two days; we therefore have to be able to coordinate quickly,” confides Romain. Seeming much less stressed, the horses used during the show are preparing in their own way, by tasting the grass for five days, in front of the Exhibition Center. Among them, an intruder: a bison, which will also have its hour of glory.
This year, the program is focusing on animals and the international: “I wanted to have artists from all over the world, who had never been here, with acts for all ages. And above all, I wanted to amaze the public with never before seen disciplines. »
While he hopes to break the record of 10,000 spectators this year, Romain Greveldinger already has his eyes fixed on the future: “I have been working on the show you are going to see for a year and a half. But I'm already on next year's, which will be totally different. We’re changing the theme and to give a little hint, it won’t be on a round track…”
Tickets are on sale on the show website, at the tourist office or at the circus ticket offices.
