This week marks the first time that Alegría, one of Cirque du Soleil's most popular touring shows, has come to Scotland.

The show features gothic theatrics and hilarious clowns as well as unbelievable contortionists, synchronised trapeze artists, a fire-knife dancer and other breathtaking gymnastics, all of whom combine together for the spectacular performance.

A Montreal-based company in Quebec, Cirque du Soleil started in 1984. Publicist Genevieve Laurendeau told us: “It was four street performers that had a dream, a vision.

“From there they created their first circus group, and started to tour gradually in North America.”

Cirque du Soleil now has an array of touring shows and residencies in the likes of Las Vegas, and has become a huge success story. The company is now back at Glasgow SECC until April 15, and is set to delight thousands with one of its best known pieces.

She added: “Alegría will soon celebrate its 18th birthday. It started back in 1994 in Montreal, where all the shows are created and develop.”

Since its premiere, Alegría has been performed over 5000 times and seen by over 10 million spectators in more than 65 cities around the world – with this weekend’s Scottish audiences the latest to experience its delights.

We took a look both as the performers practised their amazing movies, and also backstage at the wardrobe department, where there was a rich variety of amazing costumes on display.

How do those behind the show adapt to being on the road? Genevieve said: “We wouldn’t do what we do if we didn’t love travelling, so it’s a lifestyle.

“We work together with 100 people on tour, amongst them 55 artists and musicians that you will see on stage tonight.

“There’s a total of 21 nationalities, so we speak different languages, we come from various backgrounds – we’re a small world travelling the world together.”

Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría is on at Glasgow SECC every night until Sunday April 15, with extra daytime performances on Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Ticketmaster website for booking information.