No need to go into a blow-by-blow account of the shows we saw; here's some pictures. Everything on offer was done to the highest standards of production and theatrics that I have ever seen, and the horsemanship on display was extraordinary.
A few points of note: it's impossible to see everything in one day; plan to stay overnight if you want to see them all. Be prepared to walk a fair distance, and queue up if you're there at peak season. If you rent a mobility scooter there is no need for an "emotion" pass (costs extra but gets you reserved seats). Restaurants in the hotels are self-service, but good. My favourite show was "The Star and the Mime", that is also the newest show - indoors so no piccies. The theatrical effects were effective without being showy, and the story engaging. The Last Panache was also excellent, though again no pics.
The secret of the lance:
The horses seemed to love this. At certain moments, they would be galloped across the scene, one at a time. They were all docile until it got to their turn, when they would get all excited, rear up and be difficult to control until finally they set off at full tilt.
The Vikings
This show had some "how did they do that" moments. The viking long ship rises from being completely submerged, with what appear to be model people on it. Except they're real people who then take part in the fray. I hope they were wearing wetsuits under their costomes, else they'd be
freezing. At the end these same people get back on the boat and it disappears underwater. Not a very realistic arrival or departure for real vikings, but still quite impressive.
The romans
The chariot races were great fun, with thrills and spills; wheels come off, chariots break away.... The centre stage in the first picture transforms into the galley in the second one. It turns around as well.
This was a fun break, with the weather being the only downside. The first day was rainy, the second was rainy and cold. Not the fault of the Puy du Fou.
