Martial arts and the opera combine with acrobats, jugglers and contortionists for the first time in the State Circus's history.

The two-hour production from the Chinese State Circus has taken three years to produce and features a cast schooled in the ancient disciplines from an early age.

"It really is a fascinating show and the first time we've mixed so many forms of Chinese art," says Tony Wilkie-Millar, the circus's press officer. "It's a rich part of Chinese culture and it's superb fun too.

"From the moment it starts, it holds you. Sometimes you want to tear your eyes away, just in case something goes wrong - it's completely enthralling."

The interesting mix of artists includes players from the Peking Opera, a group which used to perform exclusively for the great emperors.

One player, known as the Woman Of 100 Faces, transforms her appearance every few seconds live on stage, hiding behind a small cloak and emerging a split second later as a completely different character.

"It's the most beautiful thing to watch," says Tony, "everybody has a theory on how it works, both in the audience and the cast, but no one really knows. It's a heavily-guarded secret - like a good magician, she's never going to tell."

There will also be the statue-like Terracotta Soldiers, plus the martial artistry of the Shaolin Wushu Warriors.

In a display of amazing dexterity, the warriors will also take to the rafters to fly amongst suspended treetops.

"They look as if they have managed to slow down time whilst they do it," says Tony.

"It's quite breathtaking."

Performance times start weekdays 5pm and 7.45pm, Saturday 3pm and 7.45pm, and Sunday 2pm and 5pm. Tickets cost £7-27. Call 0870 833 0002