Take That have revived their 2009 Circus tour for a stadium run, bringing elephants, clowns, and aerialists to St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton. The show, which originally became the fastest-selling tour in UK history, has been lightly reimagined with the same Big Top concept and a setlist focused on the band’s greatest hits.
Despite the absence of an obvious anniversary, the reboot feels less like a cash grab and more like a celebration, as the trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald deliver hits such as Pray, A Million Love Songs, and Back for Good. The latter features a smaller B-stage with water fountains before a giant mechanical elephant emerges to carry the band to the main stage.
The spectacle includes fire-breathers, tightrope walkers, trapeze artists, and a hair-hanging aerialist. During Relight My Fire, performers hold naked flames while dancing before a devilish inflatable ringmaster. The band also attempts unicycling, with Barlow riding a kid’s bike with stabilisers.
The circus theme rarely lets up, with a marching band and tap dancers joining for Never Forget. However, the closing Rule the World strips back the spectacle, leaving just the band illuminated by phone lights and a choir of fans. It’s a reminder that despite the deja vu, Take That’s anthems remain the main draw.
