Shaolin Kung-Fu Masters
St George's Hall

The 20-strong troupe, spanning from a six-year-old boy to strapping young Buddhist monks, were from China's legendary Shaolin Temple, the heart and soul of kung-fu for 1,500 years.

The show was a spectacular showcase of the martial arts masters' acrobatic and athletic skills, combining incredible mental and physical agility.

The monks and young trainees performed thrilling combat moves, from kung-fu high kicks to sword fights, and a series of pain-defying stunts. They broke sticks over their heads, smashed bricks on their backs, laid on razor-sharp blades beneath a bed of nails and walked over blades, carrying weighted buckets.

One monk was lifted aloft on sharpened spears, while another did a handstand resting on just two fingertips, and a contortionist folded himself into eye-watering positions.

Star of the night was a beautiful little boy who back-flipped across the stage on his head (yes, really) and demonstrated martial arts fighting skills that would flatten a grown man.

"Go on little fella!" someone in the audience shouted as the youngster was lifted into the air by a bowl suctioned to his stomach. It was all down to almost super-human breathing techniques - and this boy was only six!

It was as humbling as it was entertaining to watch the extraordinary mind-over-matter skills of these living legends.