IN THE Circus world the Moscow State has probably the best reputation in the world, so a family trip to this Big Top is virtually guaranteed not to disappoint.This year’s brand new show is set in Gorky Park (Park Gorkogo), the mystical centre of Moscow's cultural and artistic quarter. Rather than try and incorporate a ‘theme’ into the show, the troupe use this quintessentially Russian backdrop for some of the most talented circus performers you are ever likely to see in this country.The two clowns, Pavlik and Klava, are undoubtedly the glue that holds this show together - and not a single big red nose in sight!Beginning with the unbelievable hand balancing of Vladislav Khostik, the show builds in pace with acts including Cossack whip cracking and three bathing beauties swept up on the revolving Ariel Ring, although the amazing Yakovlev jugglers were by far my favourite act, taking the art of juggling to an entirely new dimension.The second half of the show began with awe-inspiring flying trapeze from Alievs White Birds, which had the audience holding its breath in anticipation, and ended with the revolving Russian Swing, catapulting its 10-strong troupe high into the air at breakneck speed.The Moscow State Circus came to Cheltenham as the first stop on its European tour, but if you can get tickets to see the show elsewhere in the country then I thoroughly recommend you do so.