Cirque du Soleil OVO: Their Return to the Royal Albert Hall

Cirque du Soleil OVO returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London from January 9, 2026, to March 1, 2026. This high-energy, insect-themed production transforms the iconic venue into a vibrant ecosystem where world-class acrobats portray the secret lives of bugs through gravity-defying stunts, Brazilian-inspired music, and stunning costume design. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the 2026 performance schedule, how to secure the best ticket prices starting from approximately £44, and detailed insights into the specific acts—from the trampoline-leaping crickets to the foot-juggling ants—that make OVO a family favorite.

2026 Performance Schedule and Dates

Cirque du Soleil OVO is scheduled for a limited eight-week residency at the Royal Albert Hall, beginning on Friday, January 9, 2026, and concluding on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Performances typically run Tuesday through Sunday, with multiple showtimes on weekends including morning (11:30 AM), matinee (3:30 PM), and evening (7:30 PM) slots to accommodate families and tourists.

The 2026 run marks a significant return for the production, which last graced the Royal Albert Hall stage in 2018. Due to the high demand for Cirque du Soleil’s annual London residency, mid-week performances often provide the best availability, while weekend gala shows frequently sell out months in advance.

Ticket Prices and Seating Options

Tickets for OVO at the Royal Albert Hall generally start at approximately £44 for Gallery standing or high-tier seating and can reach upwards of £324 for premium hospitality packages. For the best balance of value and view, seats in the Rausing Circle or the Stalls offer an immersive experience without the luxury price tag of the Loggia boxes.

The Royal Albert Hall’s unique “in the round” configuration means that every seat offers a different perspective on the aerial acts. While the Stalls bring you closest to the floor-based acrobatics like the foot-juggling ants, the Circle provides a superior vantage point for the high-flying trapeze and “Trampowall” finales.

The Theme: A Micro-Cosmos of Life

OVO, which means “egg” in Portuguese, focuses on a bustling colony of insects whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious, oversized egg. The narrative serves as a colorful metaphor for biodiversity and acceptance, following the “Foreigner” (a quirky fly) as he attempts to win the heart of a vivacious Ladybug.

Unlike darker or more abstract Cirque productions, OVO is celebrated for its bright primary colors and “fun-first” atmosphere. The show’s creator, Deborah Colker, drew heavy inspiration from the movement of life, ensuring that the stage is in constant motion with creatures crawling, leaping, and flying.

The Cast and Creative Team

The production features an international cast of over 50 performing artists from more than 25 different countries, many of whom are former Olympic gymnasts or world-champion acrobats. This elite level of athleticism allows the show to push the boundaries of human physical capability while maintaining the theatrical grace required for a West End audience.

Directed by Deborah Colker, the first female director in Cirque du Soleil history, the show benefits from her background in dance and choreography. The creative team also includes costume designer Liz Vandal, whose intricate “exoskeleton” outfits allow for maximum range of motion while perfectly mimicking insect anatomy.+1

Key Acts: The Foot-Juggling Ants

One of the most technically demanding segments of OVO is the foot-juggling act performed by a group of Red Ants.These performers lie on their backs and use their feet to juggle oversized slices of kiwi, ears of corn, and eventually, each other in a display of “Icarian Games” that requires incredible core strength and timing.

This act represents the collective labor and discipline of an ant colony, but it is presented with a whimsical, playful energy. The precision required is so high that even a fraction of a second’s delay can disrupt the entire sequence, making it a perennial crowd favorite.

Key Acts: The Hand-Balancing Dragonfly

The Dragonfly act features a solo performer who balances on a rotating platform shaped like a plant stalk, moving through positions that defy skeletal logic. This segment highlights the elegance and poise of nature, requiring the artist to support their entire body weight on a single hand while slowly contorting their limbs.

The lighting for this act is typically subdued and atmospheric, emphasizing the delicate nature of the dragonfly. It provides a moment of serene beauty amidst the high-octane energy of the rest of the show, showcasing the “art” in “acrobatic art.”

Key Acts: The Butterfly Aerial Duo

Representing the beauty of metamorphosis, the Butterfly act features two aerialists performing a “pas-de-deux” on aerial straps high above the audience. Their movements are synchronized to evoke the courtship flight of butterflies, blending raw physical power with the appearance of weightless grace.

The performers often soar directly over the heads of those in the Stalls, creating an intimate connection between the cast and the audience. This act is frequently cited in reviews as one of the most emotional and visually stunning parts of the entire production.

Key Acts: The Trampowall Finale

The show concludes with the “Trampowall,” a massive 19-meter wide vertical wall that the Crickets use as a playground.Utilizing hidden trampolines and power tracks, dozens of performers sprint up the wall, perform mid-air flips, and seemingly “stick” to the vertical surface in a high-speed display of teamwork.

This finale is designed to leave the audience breathless, utilizing every inch of the Royal Albert Hall’s vertical space. It serves as the ultimate culmination of the show’s theme of “movement,” combining tumbling, parkour, and traditional circus arts into one explosive sequence.

Brazilian-Inspired Musical Score

The music of OVO, composed by Berna Ceppas, is heavily influenced by the rhythms of Brazil, including samba, bossa nova, and funk. A live seven-piece band is integrated into the set, often appearing on stage or in the “pit” to provide a dynamic soundtrack that reacts to the performers’ timing.

The use of live vocals and traditional Brazilian instruments gives OVO a warm, organic feel that distinguishes it from more electronic-heavy Cirque scores. The upbeat tempo keeps the energy high throughout the 2-hour and 20-minute runtime, encouraging audience participation through clapping and rhythmic swaying.

Costume and Set Design Marvels

The costumes in OVO are some of the most complex in the Cirque du Soleil repertoire, featuring “pleated” fabrics that mimic the segments of an insect’s body. Each outfit is custom-made for the performer to ensure it doesn’t snag during aerial maneuvers or impede the extreme flexibility required for contortion acts.

The set features a giant “OVO” egg that dominates the stage at the start of the show, alongside massive “flowers” and “leaves” that serve as platforms for the performers. Modern projection mapping is used to transform the Royal Albert Hall floor into a living, breathing forest floor, complete with scurrying digital insects.

Royal Albert Hall: The Iconic Venue

Performing at the Royal Albert Hall presents unique challenges and opportunities for Cirque du Soleil due to the venue’s Grade I listed status and Victorian architecture. The “mushrooms” (acoustic diffusers) hanging from the ceiling must be carefully navigated by the aerial rigging team to ensure safety and visibility.

The Hall has hosted Cirque du Soleil annually for nearly two decades, making it the “home away from home” for the Canadian troupe. The circular shape of the auditorium is perfectly suited for OVO’s “in the round” staging, ensuring that no matter where you sit, you are part of the ecosystem.

Practical Information and Planning

Show Times and Duration

The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. For evening shows starting at 7:30 PM, you can expect to exit the hall around 9:50 PM, leaving ample time for public transport or late-night dining in South Kensington.

Getting to the Royal Albert Hall

The nearest London Underground stations are South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines) and High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines), both about a 10-15 minute walk away. Several bus routes, including the 9, 52, and 452, stop directly outside the venue on Kensington Gore.

Seating and Accessibility

The Royal Albert Hall offers dedicated accessible seating and “Step-Free” access through specific doors. It is highly recommended to contact the box office directly for wheelchair-accessible bookings, as these often include a complimentary companion seat and specialized entry instructions.

Food and Drink Options

There are multiple bars and restaurants within the Hall, ranging from casual snacks at the Verdi Italian Kitchen to fine dining at the Coda Restaurant. For a more traditional experience, many visitors opt for the “Afternoon Tea” package which can be booked alongside matinee performances.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive Early: The Hall is a historic landmark; arriving 45 minutes before the show allows you to explore the corridors and avoid the last-minute security queues.
• Avoid the Gallery for Vertigo: If you are uncomfortable with heights, avoid the Gallery (Level 5) standing tickets, as the view is very steep.
• Merchandise: Official Cirque du Soleil merchandise stands are located on the ground floor and often feature show-exclusive items like OVO-themed insect masks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cirque du Soleil OVO suitable for children? Yes, OVO is one of the most family-friendly shows in the Cirque du Soleil catalog due to its bright colors, physical comedy, and insect theme. While there is no strict age limit, it is most enjoyed by children aged 5 and up who can sit through the two-hour performance.

How long is the OVO show at the Royal Albert Hall? The total runtime is approximately 140 minutes (2 hours and 20 minutes), which includes a 20-minute intermission between the two acts. This allows guests to stretch their legs and visit the bars or merchandise stands.

What is the best place to sit for Cirque du Soleil OVO? For the best overall view, the Rausing Circle (Level 2) provides a “birds-eye” perspective of the entire stage and aerial rigging. If you prefer to be close to the “clown” interactions and floor acrobatics, the Stalls (Ground Level) are the best choice.

What does “OVO” stand for? “OVO” is the Portuguese word for “egg.” The show centers around the arrival of a giant egg into an insect colony, symbolizing the cycle of life and the mystery of the unknown.

Can I take photos during the performance? Non-flash photography is generally permitted for personal use, but video recording and flash are strictly prohibited as they can distract and endanger the acrobats. Always listen to the pre-show announcements for the most up-to-date venue policies.

What are the 2026 London show dates for OVO? The show runs from January 9, 2026, to March 1, 2026.Performances are held almost daily, with the exception of most Mondays.

Are there any discounts for Cirque du Soleil tickets? Early bird discounts are often available for members of the Cirque Club (which is free to join) or for groups of 10 or more. Occasionally, “no-fee” ticket promotions are run through official partners like London Theatre Direct or Ticketmaster.

Is there a dress code for the Royal Albert Hall? There is no formal dress code for Cirque du Soleil performances at the Hall. Most attendees opt for “smart-casual” attire, though you will see everything from full evening wear to casual tourist clothing.

Is the music in OVO live? Yes, OVO features a live seven-piece band and singers who perform the Brazilian-influenced score in real-time. The music is tightly choreographed with the acrobatic movements to ensure perfect synchronization.

What happens if I arrive late to the show? Latecomers will be asked to wait for a suitable break in the performance—usually after the first major act—before being allowed to take their seats. This is to ensure the safety of the performers and to avoid disrupting other audience members.

Can I buy OVO tickets at the door? While a box office is available on-site, OVO typically sells out in advance for the Royal Albert Hall run. It is strongly recommended to book online weeks or months ahead to secure your preferred dates and seating.

Is food allowed inside the auditorium? Only food and drink purchased within the Royal Albert Hall are permitted inside the auditorium. Drinks must be in plastic containers, and “noisy” snacks are discouraged to maintain the theatrical atmosphere.