We are working on creating a universe where the human body can be lots of other things than just a human body.“

Swedish circus company Sisters is three guys with completely different nationalities, shapes, bodies and minds, but the same wish – to move together as one.

Their show Clockwork, part of this year’s Roundhouse CircusFest, comes from this obsession – they need to depend on each other both physically and mentally when working, the same way a clock needs all of its cogwheels to function.

“We are three guys in the space, exploring and reconstructing the circus disciplines,“ says Pablo Rada Moniz, the Spanish Sister. “You will see the result of a long research in dynamic acrobatics, various circus disciplines, live music and innovative rigging.

“We like to leave the imagination to the audience,“ the 31-year-old continues. “A body can be anything – an object, a creature, animals, systems. We use a combination of our bodies in strange positions and precise movements, costumes and lights to make these other visions of the body appear.“

The result is a gravity-defying, precision-timed performance featuring Chinese poles, slack rope, German wheels and acrobatics, with elements of street dance and physical theatre thrown in for good measure. In short, it’s rather wonderful.

“I have been my whole life attracted to live performance,“ explains Pablo. “I had the need to express myself and be on stage. By pure coincidence I met a circus artist and he taught me how to juggle and how to work in the street with circus. After that I decided to leave everything and study circus.“

Pablo formed Sisters with Mikkel Hobitz Filtenborg, 24, from Denmark, and Valia Beauvieux, 23, from France, when the three of them were students at the University of Dance and Circus in Stockholm, all studying Chinese poles. They began training together and were soon creating short acts and sketches.

Where did three powerful, strong guys come up with the name Sisters?

“Principally it’s about what family means, how you are attached to each other, how much you need them, how much you love them – and we fight like sisters,“ laughs Pablo.

This is the first time Sisters has been to the UK and Pablo and the boys are very excited to be here and part of CircusFest, the annual, five-week celebration of contemporary circus from around the globe.

“We’re really happy to finally come to the UK to perform,“ he says. “We don’t know exactly what to expect from CircusFest, but we’re looking forward to be part of this gathering of great circus companies.“

  • Roundhouse CircusFest: Clockwork is at artsdepot, Tally Ho Corner, Nether Street, North Finchley on Wednesday, April 16 at 7.30pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk