Three teams of elite entertainers jetted out to the Indian Ocean paradise of the Maldives to bring extra Easter exultation to holidaymakers enjoying themselves in the exclusive enclave.
And among the heights of this latest week-long trip half way across the world for Area 51 was their construction of the world’s tallest water contortion bowl at Reethi Rah so that all audience members were able to delight at the performances of expert contortionist Lowri Thomas, fresh from her starring work in China at Macau’s famous House of Dancing Water.
The water bowl and a new jellyfish character, complete with eye-catching LED effects were part of an overall underwater theme at the resort which created a huge stir with guests who were holiday-making there, as 51 continued its long association with the Maldives. A team of six acts were dispatched to the island headed up by host Adam Colclough, also including the amazing foot archer Orissa Kelly.
The three resorts visited by Area 51 on this spring jaunt – Finolhu, Reethi Rah and Amilla Fushi – are stunning jewels set among the coral reef islands that bisect the equator and are discreetly hidden away from the hubbub of fast-paced, modern life – alluringly situated among teal and indigo lagoons plus soft, white sand beaches some 430 miles south west of Sri Lanka.
At Finolhu Area 51 came up with a colourful Charlie & The Chocolate Factory theme that was a smash hit for all ages, starring conjurer Barrington Powell as a fun Wonka. A bespoke Easter egg hunt in scorching temperatures was a highlight as was a regular children’s story-time yoga session organised by Nat Page who was also in charge of make up during the week-long festivities.
Area 51’s year-round resident team of entertainers at Finolhu including Jonas Gutierrez, Shelley Baker, Loredana Maya Calzon-Schwartz and aerial/hoola-hoop expert Amanda Wesley, was further beefed up with reinforcements from the UK and other events they staged included an impressive children’s fashion show and a gala dinner-dance.
Circus specialist Matt Lemon was particularly busy, flying in to Finolhu to join the team as the Candyman before then moving on to Amilla Fushi as the mad March Hare where he bolstered the ranks that also featured the brilliant Luke da Silva, Beth Sykess and Harley Fox in a spectacular Alice in Wonderland calisthenics that once again was greeted with joyous acclaim from residents and jet-setting wayfarers alike. Here the team organised more fashion shows, gala events and an Easter egg hunt.
The combination of circus skills such as juggling, contortion, aerial, fire and stilt-walking together with magic and exquisite hosting techniques and colourful costuming made for a triumphant success at all three venues.
