Acrobatic performances during the circus show. A Dalmatian and its  trainer presenting a trick. Artistes performing a balancing act at the circus. PICTURES: Najeer Feroke

By Ayman Adly

Staff Reporter

Lions, clowns, a mini-carriage drawn by Dalmatians, acrobats, folk dance, magic – it’s a fascinating world out there at the tent outside Hyatt Plaza, courtesy of Royal Circus.

Performing for the first time in Doha, the troupe has enthralled audiences with scintillating shows during the Eid al-Adha holidays. Performers from across the world, including Latin America, Mongolia, Egypt, Russia and other parts of Europe, have been able to engage the audiences and keep them entertained throughout the shows, which run for almost two hours.

During the show, clowns seek to communicate with members of the audience, especially children, and share their funny tricks with the latter. Before the show starts, children are given an opportunity to take a tour of the venue in a mini-carriage drawn by Dalmatians.

“It’s great to have something like this in Qatar, where families can enjoy world-class performances inside the country,” said a national.

The event has proved to be a major attraction with almost all seats being sold out for the moment. Besides locals and expatriates, the show has also been able to attract a considerable number of citizens from other GCC countries.

Another highlight of the show is a performance involving a folk dancer and a magician, accompanied by music from the Caucasian region. During the performance, the magician makes the dancer’s clothes change in the blink of an eye, leaving the audience thrilled.

Wild animals such as leopards are a key attraction, but it is the final act – the lion show – that seems to be the favourite of the audience.

“While the entire show was excellent, the best of the lot was the concluding part – the lion show. The trainer was in complete control of the animals and he could even make one of them dance with him. It left us mesmerised and thrilled,” said a European expatriate, who had come with his children and wife.

The lion trainer, Mohamed al-Helw, is an Egyptian professional who belongs to a  family that has been engaged in this profession for scores of years.

Dr Hussein Akef, manager and presenter of the show, makes a lively presentation during the show as music plays in the background.

“It was a remarkable logistical challenge to bring all these animals and equipment to Doha, but we have been rewarded with this amazing success. The show incorporates thrills, adventure, fun as well as skilled acrobats from different countries and cultures. We are committed to bring to Doha the best entertainment through our diversified team of artistes at an affordable cost,” he said.

“After the holidays, there are two shows during the weekend (6.30pm and 9pm) and one show on weekdays (5.30pm). Tickets are being sold at Hyatt Plaza and Virgin Megastore starting from QR75,” said an executive of Hyatt Plaza.

Jungle Zone, the theme park at Hyatt Plaza, has also been attracting a large number of families. Children could be seen enjoying the newly-introduced rides and games and the place was packed with visitors who did not seem to mind the crowd and wanted to have their share of the fun.

The nearby Aspire Park is another big draw for visitors – be it families, youngsters, locals or expatriates. Almost every part of the place is full of groups of people, especially in the afternoon and evening.