Seventeen years to the day since The Circus first rolled into Cardiff, Take That returned to the stadium that hosted the original show, then known as the Millennium Stadium, now the Principality Stadium. The venue was packed and ready for one of the most anticipated shows of the summer.
We arrived in time to catch The Script, who delivered a short but hit-filled set. Frontman Danny O’Donoghue made full use of the enormous stage, powering through favourites including Breakeven and Superheroes. Having seen them headline Cardiff Castle last year, it was no surprise they warmed up the crowd brilliantly and proved to be a worthy support act.
As the lights dimmed, the stadium transformed into a circus. Giant red drapes closed around the stage and a lone blue clown emerged, followed by a mysterious lady in red, later revealed to be Zoe Birkett, who guided the opening sequence. Circus performers gathered around a central dome, attaching balloons to a giant blue hot air balloon suspended above the stage before Take That themselves emerged from a cluster of balloons to a deafening roar from the crowd.
Opening with Greatest Day, the party was underway.
From that moment, the show never stopped evolving. The hot air balloon gave way to a giant mechanical elephant, acrobats filled the skies, clowns darted across the stage and the circus theme unfolded around Gary, Mark and Howard. The trio looked like they were having the time of their lives, joking about being older than the stadium, commenting on how much Welsh crowds love to sing and admitting they were still humbled by the reception they receive after all these years.
The production was extraordinary. Thankfully the stadium roof remained open and the rain stayed away because this show needed every inch of space. There were aerial performers, tightrope walkers crossing above the audience, bicycles racing down narrow runways and moments of intimacy, including Gary alone at a piano, that contrasted perfectly with the spectacle surrounding him.
The second half took a darker turn as the circus transformed into a sinister carnival. Giant inflatable ringmasters appeared, flames erupted from the front to the back of the stadium and Relight My Fire became one of the standout moments of the evening. Enhanced by the incredible circus cast and the vocals of Zoe Birkett, it felt bigger and more theatrical than ever before.
What impressed me the most was how fluid the entire production felt. Despite the huge scale and constant movement, nothing seemed forced or overcomplicated. Every transition felt natural, every visual served the music and every song had its moment to shine and three men stood on the stage controlling us all.
After an encore, the band returned for Hold up a light and Rule The World, bringing the evening to a close beneath a spectacular fireworks display. It was a fitting finale to a show that perfectly balanced nostalgia, theatre and world-class entertainment that you didn’t want to end.
Take That have always had a special relationship with Welsh audiences and every visit seems to leave a lasting memory. This was no exception. Thirty-five years into their career, they continue to prove why they remain one of Britain’s most beloved live acts.
A stunning spectacle, an unforgettable production and quite simply one of the greatest shows Cardiff will see this year.
