Pop star Zoe Birkett has been revealed as the surprising voice behind the giant ringmaster puppet in Take That's spectacular Circus Live tour, leaving fans stunned.
Take That Circus Live Returns
Take That's Circus Live tour is back on the road, wowing audiences with an even more spectacular reboot than the original 2009 production. The show features numerous surprises and updates, including a star guest at the finale.
The performance begins with 'Greatest Day' as the current trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald appear on stage beneath a giant balloon. What follows is a two-hour extravaganza of music, dance, and circus acts from the beloved band.
The show includes trapeze artists, tight-rope walkers, and the magical 30-foot animatronic elephant that walks through the crowd during 'The Garden'.
The Dramatic Finale
The evening culminates in a dramatic finale featuring a giant, spooky circus ringmaster puppet that emerges on stage, laughing as bursts of flames erupt. The ringmaster booms a message to fans: 'Ladies and gentlemen, for your entertainment the circus is filled with thrills and death-defying feats... The greatest show on earth, some would say.'
The voice deepens as it speaks of the 'dark side' of the circus, urging fans to let the 'fire burn within you.' The puppet then sings 'Keep the fire burning' as the familiar strains of 'Relight My Fire' ring out, and the full cast joins on stage.
Zoe Birkett's Role Revealed
The person behind the impressive puppet has now been revealed as former Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett, now a West End star. Birkett has been joining the band on stage each night to sing the famous 'Lulu bit' of 'Relight My Fire,' but many fans did not realize she was also the voice and face of the giant puppet.
Birkett, who won rave reviews for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the West End musical 'Tina,' confirmed the news by sharing a video on social media of her voicing the puppet. She wrote on Facebook: 'I don't just sing it..... Face and voice of the biggest puppet this summer.'
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed their delight at Birkett's starring moment. Linda Cook wrote: 'Relight my fire blew me away!! It's AWESOME!! You are epic Zoe.' Rachel Bell added: 'You were awesome! We thought it was you and you blew us away. Loved you since Get Happy!' Susan Kemp commented: 'Best part of the show for me! Zoe Birkett you were amazing!'
Birkett, from County Durham, had a homecoming performance at Take That's Sunderland Stadium of Light show and will head to Glasgow next on the ongoing tour.
Manchester Shows
Fans in Manchester are eagerly anticipating Take That's big homecoming this month. The band will perform at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, June 19; Saturday, June 20; and Sunday, June 21, before returning for the final UK date on Wednesday, July 1. For those who missed out on tickets, the Saturday night performance will be streamed live on Amazon Music.
