Cirque Du Soleil | A first timer’s guide

If you haven’t been to Cirque Du Soleil in Brisbane, then hopefully this review will answer most of your questions and give you an idea of why this extraordinary circus is so popular and why I think everyone should add this to their bucket list. 

Cirque Du Soleil’s current touring show, LUZIA, is visiting Brisbane from 25th September to 10th November 2024. 

What is Cirque Du Soleil?

If I was describing Cirque Du Soleil to a friend I would definitely find it difficult to provide any sort of comparison as there is simply nothing I have experienced that is similar to it in any way. It’s an impressively dazzling show, literally stars in your eyes, goosebumps on your skin, holding breath sort of experience.

What I think I loved most was that the performers’ enjoyment was profoundly evident and unbroken throughout the show. I sat there marvelling at what was unfolding, I felt truly privileged to be witnessing these wizards of human acrobatics and performance. I felt like I was part of something quite extraordinary and this audience-wide feeling meant the atmosphere at times felt euphoric. I was drawn to every single performer and every performance and captivated by music both sung and played.

Who should go?

From a poll of my Brisbane friends, it would seem safe to say that everyone should go and so it is no wonder their shows sell out! 

• Some of my friends attend as the perfect date night
• Another friend said her parents gift them to her children for Christmas
• Another said they gift them to their parents each time a performance comes to Brisbane
• Others said they simply won’t miss a single show and haven’t since their first show in Brisbane
• Some go more than once (which speaks volumes)

Is it Cirque Du Soleil child-friendly?

I can’t wait to take my kids to see Cirque Du Soleil, so yes, it’s absolutely child-friendly. 

Things to consider

It is a fairly long show for a child to sit through although there is an intermission to give them a break halfway through. Would I take a 3-year-old? I am not sure I would. It is an extraordinarily engaging show, but I think if your child wouldn’t sit through a kids movie for two hours, then I would be wary of investing the money in a ticket for them (and the possibility that you need to leave midway through). For myself, I think school age is a good age, although each child is different. If you feel like you want to take a child younger than this, certainly don’t take my words as anything more than my own personal opinion.  

Where is Cirque Du Soleil in Brisbane?

When Cirque Du Soleil comes to Brisbane it generally sets up the Grand Chapiteau in the Hamilton area. For those wondering, A Grand Chapiteau is a fancy term for a “circus tent”, but obviously far more impressive and (thankfully) temperature controlled, so they need plenty of space. In 2024, Cirque Du Soleil’s LUZIA is located behind the Queensland Golf Club on Curtain Avenue in Hamilton.   

Frequently asked questions

These are all the things I would have wanted to know and a few more for good measure. Hopefully they help you – 

Is there parking? There is free off-street parking at the Queensland Golf Club. Friends who have driven suggest getting there early to get a park and even (if the timing works) getting a bite at Eat Street Markets on the drive in before the show.

My parents in law arrived late for a show previously and did have to walk a fair distance from their car to the show, so just consider this if you have young children and the show is in the middle of summer. 

When I attended, I took an Uber in and took a taxi home. 

Can you take your own food and drink? No, you can’t. Cirque Du Soleil has refreshment options you can buy there and take in with you to the show. We opted for popcorn and water.  

How long does the show go for? I am sure each show is slightly different, however LUZIA is 2 hours and 25 minutes including a 25-minute intermission.  

What are the toilets like? The toilets are super fancy portaloos, clean and there are a lot of them (as well as a separate set for those with accessibility challenges). The lines in intermission can be long, but they pass within no time thanks to the sheer volume of toilets available.  

Is there pram parking? Yes there is.

Are their change facilities? Yes there are.

What about wheelchair accessibility? Cirque Du Soleil offers accessible seating options and seating for those in wheelchairs. You will find an option for this when ou purchase tickets.

Are there discount tickets for concession holders or young children? There aren’t, but there are reduced-price ticketing options for families and those might be sitting on the edges may not have a perfect view of all parts of the show. Children under the age of two years are admitted to Cirque du Soleil shows for free, however they must remain seated on the lap of a parent at all times.

Is there anything else you think we should have included in the guide? If you think we missed something please let us know in comments below!

 

[NOTE: Images contained in this review depict Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘KURIOS: Cabinet of Curiosities’ show, which toured in Brisbane in 2020.]