Reviews for Phare - The Cambodian Circus

We had a really great evening 🙂 We had a lemongrass/vodka cocktail whilst we waited for the show to start - can't remember the name of it but it was very nice! The big top doors opened at 7.30pm - we had booked seats in Section B and chose to sit on the top tier of seats, which worked out well for us - a good view and reasonably comfortable. We saw 'Same but Different' and thoroughly enjoyed it. We didn't understand every storyline but it was typically Cambodian - completely chaotic and lots of fun! The children on the front row all seemed to be having the best time!

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) A witty, entertaining show with amazing stunts, paired with a funny story. Plus, there's a non-profit organization behind it – we really liked it. (Original) Witzige, kurzweilige Show, tolle Kunststücke, gepaart mit einer lustigen Story. Zudem ist im Hintergrund eine gemeinnützige Organisation, hat uns super gefallen.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

I love the whole concept behind this unique synthesis of art, culture, and social enterprise. So I didn't hesitate when ordering tickets (about a month before we travelled to Siem Reap) to spend a little extra and buy the top tier tickets (Preferred Reserved Group A). Please note that I'm basing my comments on the performance we saw that night, "Same Same But Different," which just happened to be what was playing the week of our visit to Siem Reap. Other shows are offered. Had we attended the week before or after, we'd have seen a different show and perhaps my review would be entirely different. I'd summarize the main elements of the show as a melange of acrobatics, dance, juggling, gymnastics, and slapstick comedy. The overall result insofar as entertainment value was, for me personally, disctinctly underwhelming. I must emphasize that the performers were incredible. The talent on display was superb. My critique here is respectfully focussed on the show's design, not the artists. I'll admit that my response to the show has much to do my expectations. What usually comes to mind when I think of the word "circus" was not a prominent part of the what we experienced, perhaps only 3-4 pieces. Those pieces were very well executed, but overall, I'd estimate to be less than 20% of the show. There was lots of juggling, some of which was brilliantly original (three artists juggling 12-15 balls as the balls are bounced off a pad on the floor); but there's nothing original, or even particularly skillful, about juggling 3-5 bowling pins. The piece that involved four artists juggling plates back and forth during a mime picnic was just odd. The gymnastic pieces demonstrated the artists' extraordinary strength, balance, and flexibility, but in my opinion, took up much too much of the show. If it was up to me, I'd cut entirely the mother/daughter piece; its beautiful, expressive artistry was well noted, but to me it evoked more ballet than circus. As for the actual dance, I was dazzled by the "laundry basin" piece - it was hugely original. But the break dancing piece? I must confess that inwardly I was rolling my eyes. I remember seeing better break dancing on the streets of Manhattan when I visited New York in the 1980s, just kids having fun, throwing a piece of cardboard on the sidewalk and letting loose. To Phare's production designer: sorry, but cut! Please! Cut also much of the comedy pieces, or more accurately, attempted comedy. The piece with the chef and restaurant guests was, for me, at first perplexing, then exasperating as it seemed to be both pointless and interminable. Also please cut the "giving up his hat" piece; less interminable but equally pointless. Comedy is an important element, yes, but the slapstick, sometimes bawdy, seemed more vaudeville than circus. I guess in the final analysis, I'd expected to be wowed, to be holding my breath, to be amazed, to walk through the exit doors to our waiting tuk-tuk thinking, "that was the most incredible thing I've ever seen!" In fact, there were those moments during the show, but just a handful. Were we to visit Siem Reap again (which is likely, we both really enjoyed our first-time visit here), we'd definitely give Phare another try. I'd be more than happy to write a 5/5 review.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) A theatrical performance blending modernity and Cambodian circus traditions, very much in the style of a street performance like the one in Aurillac. Exhilarating (Original) Spectacle théâtral alliant modernité et tradition du cirque et du Cambodge, très spectacle de rue genre celui d'Aurillac.Jubilatoire

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) A really great show! It was a lot of fun. Next time, I'd recommend eating before going, as the food selection wasn't great and it was a dollar or two more expensive than in town. I highly recommend the show! (Original) Sehr schöne Vorstellung! Hat wirklich Spaß gemacht. Ich würde nächstes mal erst was essen bevor ich hin fahre, das essenangebot war nicht so viel und preislich ein zwei Dollar mehr als in der Stadt. Die Show kann ich nur empfehlen!

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

This show will have you gasping in amazement and the participants are also locally trained youngsters. Not to be missed.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

Incredible. A must see, I would return again in a heartbeat

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

I have contracted with Circus for ak many years since before Covjd 19 and i have alwa

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

amazing experience, definately worth a watch!! something so different and unique!

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

An enjoyable way to spend an evening. Professional show, everyone clearly passionate about performing.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

What a spectacular show. Cant miss it!

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) A very interesting show that guaranteed a lovely evening. A beautiful moral message told through stunning acrobatics and humor. Excellent work from the entire team. Suitable for all ages. (Original) Spectacle très intéressant et assurant une jolie soirée. Une belle moralité racontée au travers de très belles acrobaties et de l’humour. Un très bon travail de toute l’équipé. Adapté à tout âge.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

One of the best experiences! Very talented performers, great venue and a super fun evening out. Highly recommend this for all ages :)

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) It was a very interesting circus! It wasn't just a circus, it was a fascinating fusion of art and storytelling! There was also a comedy element, which was great. I reserved seat A. I arrived 30 minutes early, and there were already a lot of people in line, but I was shown to a seat with a good view. (Original) 非常に興味深いサーカスでした！ただのサーカスではなくて、芸術や物語と融合していて面白いです！コメディ要素もありよかったです。 A席で予約して行きました。30分前に到着して、すでにたくさんの人が並んでいましたが、見やすい席に案内してもらえました🥰

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

Wonderful evening, very entertaining.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

(Translated by Google) Great show, we had a good time, coming around 6pm to enjoy eating there is very good...the beef skewers were very good. (Original) Super représentation, on as passé un bon moment, venir vers 18h pour profiter de manger sur place c'est très bon ...les brochettes de bœuf très bonne.

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672

We were holidaying in Siem Reap two weeks ago and had been recommended Phare. We were initially unsure as to whether we would be able to fit it into our itinerary - I’m so, so glad that we prioritised it! The performance was phenomenal. So much acrobatic skill and athleticism, brilliant crowd engagement, amazing live music, and a really beautifully told story - plus, proceeds go to an excellent cause. I’d recommend booking in advance, if possible, as it was a full house the night that we went. We booked C section tickets as A and B tickets were already sold out and were worried the view might be subpar - but we were able to see everything clearly. Absolutely a must-do if you are in Siem Reap!

Product: Phare, The Cambodian Circus 15435019861744419672