Take That return to the stage with a reboot of their hugely successful 2009 The Circus Live Tour. Back then it was then the fastest-selling tour the UK had ever seen and was applauded for its ambitious theatrical production
The pressure was on for the trio to revisit it 17 years later and without band member Jason Orange. But they delivered in spectacular fashion.
On a sun-soaked Friday night in Southampton, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald burst into St Mary’s Stadium through a sea of balloons before launching into a hit packed set on the biggest scale imaginable. As far as stadium pop productions go, this one will take some beating.
It was a dazzlingly detailed production from start to finish, with fans constantly torn between watching the band and the spectacle unfolding around them.
View 6 ImagesThe group were joined by Zoe Birkett on stage(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
Every corner was considered with dancers, trapeze artists, clowns, tight rope walkers, roller skaters joining in the fun. Take That brought the big top to St Mary’s Stadium in style. There were dancing showgirls wafting feathers on a light staircase for Shine – all while trampolinists bounced in perfect time to the music either side of them.
At one point, an aerial performer span high above the crowd suspended by the hair from her ponytail, while later a troupe of drummers transformed Never Forget into a thunderous spectacle. Dancing fountains sprayed water on the band during Back For Good.
As with their 2009 show, the famous 30ft elephant was back – this time with updated technology allowing it to move more fluidly through the crowd. The level of preparation and investment behind the production is staggering. Yet despite its scale, it is the attention to detail that makes the show so impressive.
View 6 ImagesGary and the gang pulled off an incredible show(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
“It’s all quite surreal from where we are,” Mark said. “To see your faces and be able to do this again.”
The band didn’t just leave the stunts to their talented cast of performers. At one point, they transformed into sad clowns on stage, applying their own make-up and costumes before the audience’s eyes.
They repeated their famous unicycle stunt from 2009, with Howard successfully making it down the runway, Mark requiring a little more assistance this time around, and Gary earning laughs by appearing on a child’s bike complete with stabilisers.
They then blasted into one of the most joyous moments of the evening – a medley of Do What U Like, Promises, It Only Takes A Minute and Take That And Party.
View 6 ImagesEvery detail was incredible(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
At the end of the final song, their oversized clown trousers fell to their ankles before the lights quickly faded. The approval from the crowd was deafening.
Everything was done to impress. Former Pop Idol contestant Zoe Birkett was on stage for less than five minutes in her role as Lulu for Relight My Fire, but even she made every second count with her powerhouse vocals.
Reflecting on the band’s longevity to the crowd who were donned up in on-theme clown outfits or rocking their old 90s tour merchandise, Howard says: “We cannot believe it’s 2026 and we’re selling out stadiums like this. It’s incredible for us. Thank you for helping us live our dream.”
Mark then asked: “Who was here for the first time round? And whose first Take That show is this?”
Reviving your most famous tour nearly two decades later could easily have felt like a nostalgia exercise. Instead, Take That have created a production that feels every bit as ambitious, and entertaining as audiences remember.
The Circus may be back in town, but this is far more than a trip down memory lane.
6View 6 ImagesA simply stunning concert(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
6View 6 ImagesThey proved that they most definitely can rule the world(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
SET LIST IN FULLGreatest DayHelloCould It Be MagicPrayA Million Love SongsBack for GoodThe GardenShineUp All NightBabeYou’re a SuperstarLove Ain’t Here AnymoreNobody ElseThe CircusWhat Is LoveDo What U Like / Promises / It Only Takes a Minute / Take That and PartySaid It AllNever ForgetPatienceRelight My FireEncore:Hold Up a LightRule the World