The Magnificent Cirque Du Soleil - Manchester

Have you ever had one of those totally amazing experiences where, no matter how much time passes, you just can't seem to get it out of your mind?

Literally no matter what you do throughout the day it is always there, replaying over and over again.

~ No?

~ Yes?

Well, either way, if you do ever want to experience something so fantastic then you simply have to take the opportunity to be swept away in the magic within a Cirque Du Soleil show.

I have always wanted to go to see one and have heard such brilliant things from people who have been before, but even those amazing stories couldn't prepare me for actually being there, watching a show myself as a member of the audience.

I was very lucky to be invited along to the intu centre at Manchester's Trafford Centre last week to attend the opening evening (get me, eh!) of the mesmerising Amaluna performance.

And I still can not get the sheer brilliance out of my mind.

The evening began under the Big White Top Tent...

...where we schmoozed with the rich and famous - Sally Webster was seated just a stones throw away from me don't ya know - we drank prosecco and (ah-mazing tasting) Three Rivers gin...

...we ate popcorn and candy floss and nibbled on delicious canapes before we, very excitedly, took our seats...

It was all so breathtaking right from the very second we sat down - I would have adored being able to take hundreds of snaps of the night but I think by not being allowed to meant that I had the opportunity to be completely focused and swept away within the story...

The whole thing was simply majestic and the pure talent of the acrobats had us all in complete awe.

I was so glad I had the opportunity to enjoy it with my family too, especially my Grandma who loved it so much...

But as amazing and "we shall stick in your mind forever" the performances were, there was so much more to enjoy, to take in and to appreciate too - everything was just put together perfectly...

~ the story telling, right down to simple facial expressions, was executed amazingly

~ the live music and instrument playing strengthened the importance of the scenes without flaw

~ the very lovable, more pantomime type characters were so funny, so entertaining and very clever in that they drew attention away from the stage onto themselves for short periods, allowing the performers opportunity to set up the next acts discreetly.

~ the audience were included in the fun side of the show giving everything a more personal, more emotion-filled feeling

And I have to mention it again, but the the sheer talent of the performers was beyond anything I was ever expecting - I mean the things these people make look effortless is more than my mind could take.

~ It was all out of this world amazing ~

And if you don't believe me, check out the official video and see what the celebs thought...

I'm certainly a huge fan now anyway and I think I may need to try and get myself (and Charlie who couldn't make this show) back again before Amaluna leaves Manchester on 9th October.