FROM the earliest form of entertainment to please the emperors in the Forbidden City, Chinese circus has been developing and perfecting its unique style and spectacle. Now the Chinese State Circus is arriving at The Alban Arena with a brand new show which illustrates the art of circus through the ages, narrated by the Monkey King, one of the key characters in Chinese folklore.

The 32-strong cast includes martial arts warriors from the Shaolin temple, artistes from Peking Opera, acrobatic stars of the Chinese State Circus and medal-winning gymnasts performing in a spectacular two-hour show. The production, which tours for the first time outside China, explores the origins of circus entertainment through energetic visual displays. One of the first documented acrobatic entertainments in China was recorded in the Eastern Han Dynasty by scholar Zhang Heng. Emperor Wu of Han entertained foreign guests in his royal palace in 108 BC. Since then the art of ribbon dancing, hoop work and juggling has become more and more daring.

Company manager Beau Denning tells me the performers practise for at least four hours a day to perfect their art. For the first time the artists are not selected from any single leading acrobatic troupe in China but from seven different troupes. The company is made up of high wire acts, pole balancers, back-flipping acrobats spiralling through rotating hoops and a dizzying succession of gymnasts catapulting terracotta jars from head to head.

Beau says: "The line-up of acts also includes a newly choreographed lion dance, plate spinning, hat juggling and an aerial love story performed with silk ropes and set to music.

"One of the show's latest creations is the human candelabra where the performer balances glasses and candles in a stunning floor show - at one point juggling five candelabras at once."

Audiences will also be entertained by the acrobatic terracotta soldiers, the sensational woman of a hundred faces, flying warriors and displays of martial arts from the Shaolin school of Kung Fu, Wu Shu and Qigong. The colourful costumes, athletic moves, displays of strength and agility are held together by the story of ancient Chinese art. Moving from royal entertainment to the perfection of sporting prowess, the circus also covers acrobatic work on the parallel bars, beam, rings and the horse performed by medal-winning artistes. One of the highlights of this sequence is a hoop juggling act featuring the five Olympic rings.

The Chinese State Circus is at The Alban Arena on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 February with performances at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk