Le Grand Cirque Creative Team

David King is one the UK's most respected international producers and it is his vision and creativity that brings Le Grand Cirque to the stage of the Palace Theatre.

Le Grand Cirque was created across three continents, using a staff of over 30 creative executives. Under the direction of executive producer David King, associate directors were despatched to China, Russia and Europe to look for the best possible talent to put in to the show. Associate producer Simon Painter travelled to China, where he toured the vast country, auditioning world champion Chinese acrobats. Simon viewed over 200 artistes, before selecting the ones that would be considered for the show. Other talent scouts visited Russia, Monte Carlo and Europe, auditioning artistes far and wide.

Once the short list of acts was decided, a presentation took place in New York, in the Broadway offices of the producer. At the presentation, the entire creative team sat round a huge board table, to select the acts that would be in the show.

Once the acts were selected, the complicated work of obtaining work permits and visas for the artistes began. This took several months, liasing closely with international embassies in the various countries around the world.

Then it was time to create the music, which is when the executive producer took over. He had already decided that the music had to be an important part of the production, and wanted the music to be recognisable to the audience. With this brief in mind, he engaged a young British arranger called Evan Jolley, to write and arrange the most famous classical music of the last 100 years, but adding to this famous music a strong pounding beat that would drive the show throughout its two hour journey.

Initial rehearsals took place in Myrtle Beach, and as all the artistes flew in from around the world, it was more like an international meeting of minds than a show rehearsal. Each group came with its own interpreter, so instructions from the show director could be translated in to different languages. In the early rehearsals, there were six different interpreters, all speaking different languages, and all carrying out the wishes of the Executive producer. Mr. King gave the role of Director to a famous London director, Brian Rogers, who is vastly experienced in presenting large and lavish shows all over the world. Mr. Rogers looked at the individual acts that were assembled before him, and then started to create the show.

At the same time, costume designers were busy offering designs, and making costumes as soon as the designs were accepted. At one time, 19 seamstresses were busy with their sewing machines, creating the amazing costumes that are now in the production.

Once the show was beginning to take shape, a lighting designer was employed to make a spectacular light show around the acts. This dynamic lighting, together with the wonderful costumes, and the fantastic classical rock music, all started to knit together to form the foundations of the show. Then each of the acts was carefully placed so as to give the maximum impact, and with a fair amount of blood sweat and tears, Le Grand Cirque was ready to appear in front of an audience for the first time.

No one knew, or could have known the impact of this show would have on the audience. No one dare believe that it would ever be the huge hit it has become, but from the minute Le Grand Cirque opened, it became an instant hit with audiences and critics alike.