Circa's jaw-dropping circus tricks – in pictures

The Australian circus company Circa aim to create circus for 'the heart, mind and soul' Photograph: Murdo Macleod

Lyn Gardner gave Opus, at the Barbican, four stars Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian

'Circa have changed the rules of engagement for circus,' writes Lyn Gardner, 'creating a distinctive house style where sexual politics and philosophical states of mind are frequently explored through seemingly impossible physical feats' Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian

According to Lyn Gardner, 'Circa make you gasp in awe, but director Yaron Lufschitz also knows how to make audiences weep or turn a wry smile' Photograph: Tristram Kenton for the Guardian

In 2013, Circa returned to Edinburgh for the first time in four years with their show Wunderkammer Photograph: Murdo Macleod

Wunderkammer was a typically clever and comic concoction from Circa Photograph: Murdo Macleod

In 2012, Circa brought their aerial magic to Norwich Cathedral in the show How Like An Angel Photograph: Chris Taylor

How Like An Angel was a collaboration with the Renaissance music specialists I Fagiolini Photograph: Chris Taylor

A Circa performer balances a giant ladder on his chin. The company combine experimentation with improvisation and risk Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Circa are on tour throughout Australia in 2014 Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images