Kurioser and Kurioser

The Royal Albert Hall installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls for Cirque du Soleil’s new show Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities

Cirque du Soleil returned to the Royal Albert Hall in January, with one of its most critically acclaimed touring shows, KURIOS — Cabinet of Curiosities, which consisted of 122 tour members from 23 different countries.

Taking inspiration from the Victorian era and 19th century industrial revolution, KURIOS’ residency at the London venue was timely – coming to the hall during the venue’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The only historic venue worldwide to have installed permanent technology to accommodate Cirque du Soleil’s performances, this year the Royal Albert Hall – in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil – installed additional steelwork beneath the stalls to strengthen the venue in specific locations. This new infrastructure enables this tour, and all future Cirque du Soleil shows, to be bigger and better than ever before.

Work began on the steel installation in January 2022 and took nine months to complete. In addition, for the first time, the production required the venue’s floor to be elevated to accommodate the unusual set design, transforming the ground level of the venue to the eyes of the regular visitor.

KURIOS – which runs at the Royal Albert Hall until March 5 –features 426 props and requires 65 trucks to transport close to 2,000 tons of equipment.