London’s cultural calendar is already shaping up to be a busy one and a a much-anticipated highlight of the new year is the return of Cirque du Soleil OVO to the Royal Albert Hall. From 9 January, the world-famous circus company brings back one of its most joyful and visually rich productions, Cirque du Soleil OVO, following overwhelming demand that has led to 38 additional performances being added to the run.
For anyone searching for the most exciting new Cirque du Soleil shows, OVO’s London residency at the Royal Albert Hall promises an immersive, high-energy experience that feels both spectacular and unexpectedly moving. First created in 2009, OVO takes its name from the Portuguese word for ‘egg’ and invites audiences into a bustling insect world where curiosity, chaos and community collide.
Set within a sprawling colony of crickets, ants, butterflies and beetles, the show unfolds around the arrival of a mysterious egg, using the life cycle of insects to explore themes of biodiversity, and transformation. At its heart is a charming love story as a curious blue fly known as ‘the foreigner’ stumbles into a bustling bug colony and falls head-over-wings for a high-spirited ladybird, sparked by the arrival of an enigmatic egg that transforms their world.
OVO immerses audiences in a dazzling insect-inspired spectacle where creatures crawl, flutter, leap and love across the stage. Crickets bounce, spiders contort, beetles march and butterflies glide through a highly theatrical environment that feels alive with movement. The narrative unfolds with warmth and humour, balancing visual extravagance with moments of tenderness that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Cirque du Soleil OVO at The Royal Albert Hall
The 2026 return to the iconic Royal Albert Hall sees Cirque du Soleil OVO reimagined for a new era. Audiences can expect fresh acrobatic acts, reinvented music with strong Brazilian influences and a bold new visual identity that makes the most of Cirque du Soleil’s signature theatrical flair. Giant flowers, a towering climbing wall and kaleidoscopic costumes create a dreamlike setting that feels tailor-made for the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall.
Set to a live Brazilian-inspired score and performed by a cast of over 50 artists from 12 countries, the production showcases Cirque du Soleil’s signature circus artistry. Among its standout moments is the flying act in which scarab beetles soar across the stage with breathtaking precision, drawing gasps from the audience. The show also weaves together a trampoline wall, aerial silks, Chinese poles, contortion, foot juggling, cradle and slackwire, all seamlessly integrated into the storytelling.
What continues to set OVO apart is its ability to delight all generations at once. The show balances jaw-dropping physical feats with warmth, humour and playful storytelling, allowing adults to marvel at the technical brilliance while children are swept up in its colour and comedy. Acts range from aerial silks and trampoline wall sequences to contortion, foot juggling and slackwire, all woven seamlessly into a narrative that celebrates biodiversity, curiosity and the joy of discovery.
Featuring more than 100 cast and crew members, OVO unfolds against a striking visual backdrop of giant flowers and a towering 19-metre climbing wall, transforming the Royal Albert Hall into an immersive insect world. The result is a theatrical experience that feels both spectacular and intimate, playful yet profound.
The London run also carries special significance thanks to the presence of British talent within the cast and creative team. Robin Beer, a rare British Cirque du Soleil clown born in Hammersmith, appears as the voyager’, bringing a distinctive warmth and wit to the role. Meanwhile, London-based Lydia Harper returns as Artistic Director of OVO. A former circus acrobat and actress, she has been a creative force within Cirque du Soleil since 2015 and continues to shape the evolving vision of the show.
Since the show first premiered in Montreal, OVO has been seen by more than seven million people across over 40 countries, cementing its status as one of Cirque du Soleil’s most beloved productions. Critics have long praised its design, energy and emotional pull, and this refreshed London residency is set to reaffirm why the show continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As Cirque du Soleil enters 2026, this Royal Albert Hall season stands out as a defining moment for live entertainment in the capital. Whether you are a long-time fan or experiencing Cirque du Soleil for the first time, OVO offers a dazzling, life-affirming escape that feels perfectly suited to welcoming in the new year. For those seeking a standout cultural experience in London, Cirque du Soleil OVO is undoubtedly one of the must-see events of 2026.
Cirque du Soleil OVO runs from 9 January to 1 March 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
