Cirque de Soleil's Amaluna opens at Intu Trafford Centre Manchester

Last night, the latest Cirque de Soleil show Amaluna, opened under the iconic big top in Intu Trafford Centre marking the production's first return to Manchester in six years. We were delighted to be invited to attend, rubbing shoulders with a host of soap stars and other celebrities. While waiting for the show to start we were treated to refreshments and a live DJ set from local artist Little Boots.

We took our seats and were instantly blown away by the beautiful set and excited by what was to come. Amaluna is a show with women at its heart. The musicians and 70% of the global cast members are all female. With a story drawing on classical influences including Norse and Greek mythology, Shakespeare's The Tempest and Mozart's The Magic Flute, Amaluna is a tale of castaway love and the obstacles that the young lovers need to overcome to be together. A story beautifully and poignantly told without the need for words. The word Amaluna translates to Mother Moon, a symbol of feminity and the name of the goddess that governs the magical island where the story is set.

From the first moment, we were captivated and enthralled by the music, the performers, the costumes and the amazing displays of acrobatic excellence. It was absolutely stunning. The timing, the skill, the precision and the sheer beauty of the performance was breath taking. Blending dance, music, song, comedy, acrobatics and storytelling is what Cirque de Soleil does best. From the amazing floor shows, including the teeter totter and the uneven bars, to the death defying aerial stunts, including the hoop and straps, to the unique water bowl act, everything was performed to perfection.

Freddy, who is 7, sat in open mouthed amazement and clapped so hard that his hands hurt! He does both gymnastics and swimming, so the show appealed to him and his love of these elements. My eldest daughter Megan was so inspired, that she has signed up to do an aerial class taster course!  We all loved it.

There was a cool, edgy vibe to the production, with the live band, the cool costumes and the sheer energy of the performers. The love story was emotional and beautifully portrayed, and was humorously juxtaposed by the clowns acting out their own love story in their own funny way, with impeccable comic timing and comedy.

I cannot stress how amazing this show was, and I would highly recommend to families and couples alike. It is a magical show that will leave you breathless.

The show runs until October 9th 2016 and tickets are on sale from the website at:  www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna.  VIP packages are also available.