Filled with spectacle, talented performances and classic songs, this rightly remains one of Take That’s most popular tours.
It was the summer of 2009 and I had graduated from university a few day s before. How did I decide to celebrate? By going to see Take That perform their latest studio album (along with their classic hits) The Circus and I was completely blown away by the spectacle that they and many others had put together.
Fast forward to 2026, would the same tour have the same impact? Why yes it did – there are a few changes to the set list with the inclusion of their latest song ‘Superstar’ and the underestimated ‘Babe’, replacing Jason Orange’s vocals on ‘Wooden Boat’ (a beautiful track to listen to by the way) and ‘How Did It Come to This’, but this is still an intact set list that pleases audiences.
Everything feels bigger and bolder, showcasing just still how beloved this group is (even if there are less members than originally. Songs such as ‘Back For good’ (with brilliant water features that would be appreciated by the audience by the B Stage in this heat) and the boy band moves to ‘Pray’ prove to still as popular as ever.
Elsewhere, the big set pieces to songs as ‘Relight My Fire’ and ‘shine’ for example make the most of the talent that the group have alongside them on stage, adding to the spectacle of the event. It also meant there was still plenty to see and keep the audience’s attention in the build up to songs such as ‘Never Forget’.
There is genuine beauty to the way in which sons such as ‘Said it All’ and ‘Hold Up A Light’ are staged that allows the audience to just simply gaze in awe at just how it all comes together, while the finale of ‘Rule The World’ brings the audience together beautifully, showcasing how much this is a tour for the fans as it is for them.
It was also lovely to hear ‘Babe’ sung so with so much feeling by Mark (it isn’t a song that you are hear performed live very often) and ‘What is Love’ sung by Howard with such natural storytelling ability – proving he deserves to have more lead vocals on songs.
There is so much to please audiences seeing this show either for the first time or revisiting it, the hilariousness of the choreography for the ‘It Only Takes a Minute’ and ‘Take That & Party sequence for example proves why this is one of the group’s most successful tour. There is a real buzz throughout the stadium no matter what song is playing and it a real credit to Take That there is so many songs that they can include – no one is left disappointed with the song selection.
Overall, The Circus is quite unlike any other tour that you will see (yes I’m biased as a Take That fan) – it still dazzles, still thrills and is a magical night filled with plenty of hits to keep the audience dancing all night. Live music to perfection.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️