AMERICAN-BORN performer Michael Duffy admits he has had to get used to life as a celebrity since being cast in one of the lead roles in the hugely successful Cirque Du Soleil production, Delirium, which rounds off its European tour at the O2 Arena in London on April 18-19, writes Dean Valler.
The 34-year-old, who grew up in Florida and has performed in the famous parade at Disneyland, plays the part of Cerbere and spends the entire one-and-a-half hour performance on 3ft-high stilts but says the inconvenience is worthwhile to play a major role in a high-profile production.
He said: "Celebere is one of the three principal characters and I was given the role a year ago after joining the cast as a dancer two-and-a-half years ago. It's been an amazing experience and the show has been something very special to be a part of.
"Last year, Delirium was among the biggest tours in the world, up there with the likes of U2, and while I don't quite have the profile of Bono I do get asked for more than my fair share of autographs, which are always a pleasure to sign. I'm thoroughly enjoying the role."
Cirque du Soleil began life as a small group of Quebec-based street performers 20 years ago. Since then it has thrilled almost 80 million people more than 200 cities on five continents.
Delirium is the first production taken outside of the Big Top and taken into major arenas and is one of 18 Cirque Du Soleil productions taking place worldwide in 2008.
It has been performed to more than 1.5 million fans worldwide and achieved a top ten box office award for the highest-grossing US concert in 2007.
The Delirium world tour, which has been in Europe since September, has spanned more than 55 cities from Germany to Finland.
The show features a cast of 36 performers from 15 countries, including eight musicians, six singers, 11 dancers, eight acrobats and three main characters, including Michael's.
"Instead of performing in front of audiences of 1,500 to 2,000 it's 5,000 or 6,000 people so that's been an added challenge for the show," added Michael, speaking from Budapest, in Hungary, one of the destinations of the production's European tour.
"The show has been a tremendous success so far. Some people will always have high expectations because of the great reputation of Cirque Du Soleil but Delirium is a different animal and I would suggest people come with an open mind and enjoy the great lighting, stunts and music."
The only drawback for Michael has been the distance away from girlfriend Eira Glover, 25, a dancer he met on the Delirium production who is now performing in ballet in Montreal, Canada.
He added: "I've been with Delirium since its world premiere in Montreal in January 2006 and taking on a main role has been a massive honour, even if it has meant some sacrifices, including being away from Eira, although we try to see each other as often as we can."
Tickets are £45 and £55 and are available at Live Nation Ticket Line on 0844 576 5483 or the O2 box office on 0844 858 0202.
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