If performing seals top your circus agenda, The Chinese State Circus will come as a bit of a surprise.

There are no animals - for which I'm grateful - who needs them when you get gravity-defying acrobats and an unbelievably bendy contortionist? Over an epic two hours the enigmatic narrator weaves a spellbinding tale that combines history, tradition and human endurance.

The shaven-haired Shaolin Wu-Shu warriors, draped in stunning orange togas - a cross between Buddhist monks and Bruce Lee - put on a beautifully choreographed, martial arts display.

At one point I did have to look away - blame my weak stomach and a fear of sharp implements - but I was on my own. The rest of the packed audience remained riveted by the display of taut muscles and rhythmic movement - especially the woman who shouted out "marry me" to one bemused warrior.

My only criticism is that the show is a little short to do justice to all of the performers.

The hoop divers and slack wire walker, in particular, I could have watched for a whole lot longer.