The world-famous Moscow State Circus came to town this week and the show was unmissable family entertainment.

My youngest son watched open mouthed (literally) as one spectacular act after another came into the ring. Trapeze artistes, tumblers and acrobats flew through the air, balanced on tight-ropes and made the audience gasp.

In an age where so much of what we watch is unreal, computer-generated or fake, this is the real thing - amazing physical feats performed with a theatrical flourish in glitzy day-glo lycra.

In a traditional big top with sawdust on the floor and a band playing, the Moscow State Circus was everything a circus should be and both my children loved it.

They particularly liked the Slavos gymnasts catapulting each other through the air by jumping on the end of a see-saw. I just hope they don't try it themselves.

The circus, thankfully, did not spend time advising us that what we were watching was dangerous and not to try it at home.

My youngest enjoyed the clowns, who managed to be amusing without the need for custard pies, and I was stunned by the physical strength, suppleness and skill of acts like Aerial Fantasy, Pathos and the Sky Travellers' flying trapeze.

The performers, who my children likened to Olympic gymnasts, were polished and professional and full of friendly smiles. They really seemed to be enjoying themselves.

I'd never been to a circus before and neither had my children but if the Moscow State Circus comes back to Malvern we'll be there, watching open-mouthed from ringside seats.

Sue Vickers