A troupe of performers referred to as Australia's finest have taken centre stage inside the Norfolk and Norwich Festival's famous Spiegeltent.

Le Coup's vaudeville-style circus show opens at the Chapelfield Gardens venue tonight, with crowds to be wowed by astounding circus acts intertwined with storytelling.

Norwich Evening News: Hand balance specialist Danik Abishev balances as Poppy Hanton puts up the Norfolk and Norwich Festival posters at Chapelfield Gardens Hand balance specialist Danik Abishev balances as Poppy Hanton puts up the Norfolk and Norwich Festival posters at Chapelfield Gardens (Image: Denise Bradley)

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The story is inspired by Fred Brophy’s boxing troupe, which tours rural Australia as people take part in boxing bouts - the last of its kind to survive in the country.

Danik Abishev is a hand balance specialist and takes on the role of Fred in the show who is trying to learn the ropes.  

He said: “While based on boxing, it is really about live entertainment and its importance.” 

Norwich Evening News: The Speigeltent ready as the Norfolk and Norwich Festival gets under way at Chapelfield Gardens The Speigeltent ready as the Norfolk and Norwich Festival gets under way at Chapelfield Gardens (Image: Denise Bradley)

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As well as a handful of performers the show features bluegrass band Father Grant and The Blunt Objects playing live with an original score.  

Danik said: “Each performer in the show plays a character and the premise of the show is that the audience picks and supports their favourite act. 

“And this style of performance is perfect for Norwich Spiegeltent because It has a lot of audience participation and works best with people all around.”  

With different characters, all with expert levels of skill in circus and performance – tickets for the show are selling fast.

 Norwich Evening News: Le Coup is a circus show full of Australia's finest performers Le Coup is a circus show full of Australia's finest performers (Image: Denise Bradley)

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Danik said: “Director Chelsea McGuffin has really made a show unlike anything else. 

“Australia is known as one of the leaders in the world for circus and we have some of the country's finest in Norwich for a limited time.” 

Le Coup will be performing in the Adnams Spiegeltent until Sunday, May 28. See the festival's website for ticket details and the full line-up of shows on offer.

Norwich Evening News: Danik Abishev plays Fred in Le Coup at Norfolk and Norwich Festival Danik Abishev plays Fred in Le Coup at Norfolk and Norwich Festival (Image: Denise Bradley)