DANGER L’Iceberg ahead.

The Carte Blanche season of circus performance begins at the Lighthouse, Poole on September 20 and 21.

L’Iceberg examines the way the world is changed by events at the touch of a button and how those changes impact on people’s lives.

The performers hang as images and words relating to the financial crisis of 2008 play out on a giant screen behind them.

Bodies collide, coil, fight, resist and cling in a hostile yet visually stunning environment made of rope and metal.

It’s the latest work by the pioneering French company L’Eolienne as author, director and choreographer Florence Caillon mixes circus techniques and dancing movements. Carte Blanche is a groundbreaking circus collaboration between France and the UK.

The captivating programme features performances by the Cirque Jules Verne, L’Eolienne and Le Prato, as well as a free interactive family fun day that offers everyone the opportunity to get involved with the world of circus.

The season opens with The Big Bang Factory on September 17 in which a motley crew of jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns is tasked with creating the universe in just seven days.

A free family circus fun day on October 27 offers the chance to learn a few tricks of the trade from expert jugglers, trapeze artists, acrobats and clowns while enjoying pop-up performances and backstage tours.

The season concludes with another UK premiere, Soiree de Gala, on October 29 and 30. A tender autobiographical adventure created by Gilles Defacque, artistic director of Le Prato, it promises an exciting and funny evening of French circus with acrobatics, comedy, song and bicycle balancing.