Two armed men circle each other, anticipating who will be the first to strike. Spectators gasp as one man lunges with his blade, metal scraping against metal.

This is not a street fight. This is one of the many acts set to be performed by acrobats from the Chinese State Circus’s Yin Yang show, which is coming to the Beck Theatre.

“The great thing about seeing the Chinese State Circus in the theatre is that you get to see action that you might only expect to see as a digital effect,“ says Tony Wilkie Miller, circus co-director, who has been involved with the show for the past 18 years.

“Shaolin warriors, trained in the art of the Shaolin, which dates back hundreds of years, have been taught to block out pain by going into a trance-like state, it’s a defensive mechanism.

“Their moves are lightning-quick and they demonstrate incredible power. At one point a concrete slab is placed on the chest of one and it’s smashed using a sledgehammer. It’s fascinating to watch.

“But, with a 30-strong company, that’s just a small part of the performance; the show has a long Chinese pedigree with a huge focus on tradition.“ Indeed, visitors to the Beck Theatre can expect human juggling, the amazing legendary Bicycle Act, the superb swinging poles, a sensational contortionist, the Monkey King and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing acrobatics.

“Chinese acrobatics originated 2,000 years ago, starting as most forms of entertainment do – people in rural areas entertaining themselves,“ explains Tony. “They used things in everyday life, so if they wanted to balance something, they’d use a long bamboo pole.

“We’ve incorporated that tradition in our show; we have acrobats balancing on and leaping from poles, juggling traditional Chinese straw hats and much more.

“It is the most incredibly agile, choreographed and powerful acrobatic show currently touring.“ Founded by Phillip Gandey in 1992 after he’d seen Chinese acrobats perform at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, this show coincides with Chinese New Year – Year of the Snake – which is meant to bring good fortune.

“Yin Yang is the name given to the 53-date theatre tour, as it applies beautifully to acrobatics. It means the balance of forces, so whether you’ve got a plate at the end of the pole or you’re a Shaolin fighting with another, there is a dynamic balance of forces.

“Of course, we’re hoping that the good fortune of the Chinese New Year will mean further good fortune for our show,“ Tony enthuses. “But Chinese New Year is all about spending time with your family and this is very much a family show.

“You don’t have to speak Chinese, you don’t have to understand the culture, but you do end up getting wonderfully drawn in. It’s a great way of culturally bonding an audience.

“We want our show to appeal to the very youngest and very oldest, there is something for everyone to enjoy.“ The Chinese State Circus is coming to The Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, on Monday, February 18 until Wednesday, February 20.

Details: 020 8561 8371, www.chinesestatecircus.com