This October the capital is bustling with circus events, ranging from small company shows right through to the big guns crowding into muddy fields on the outskirts of London. There is one element every single one of them is bringing, fantastic entertainment. Now is the time to check out your nearest circus show and sample from of the spectacular delights the big top, or private venue, have to offer.

You are spoilt for choice in the run up to the Christmas period, with many shows taking their Summer shows right through to the end of the month. Whether you’re after the traditional popcorn, candy floss, big top clown circus, or something slightly different, there is something for everyone. Whether your budget is a couple of pounds or a slightly healthier offering, you can always find the show for you. Here is our top picks of what’s happening throughout October in London.

 

ID Cirque EloizeCirque Éloize’s iD at the Peacock Theatre

 Cirque Éloize are bringing their modern, youthful take on circus to London audiences throughout October. With a mixture of hip hop, break dancing, along with thirteen different circus disciplines, this show promises to bring a playful, urban and energetic show to the Peacock Theatre.

At Cirque Éloize, we have always nurtured our shows through encounters with creators from different horizons. We have also always favored a multidisciplinary artistic approach, which is enriched with artists of several nationalities.” Cirque Éloize

Runs from 1st-6th, 8th-13th and 15th-19th October. The Peakcock Theatre, Portugal St,  London,  WC2A 2HT. Tickets range from £25.80 to £45.15.


Moscow State Circus’ PARK GORKOGO at Ealing CommonUntitled

With a variety of aerial disciplines, along with juggling, hand balancing and roller skating, the Moscow State Circus are bringing the good old fashioned circus to town. This show is on it’s very first European tour, so don’t miss out!

Superstar Clowns Splendid Pavlik & Klava invite the audience to this wondrous & mysterious place, a place to romance, a place to stroll & take in Moscow at sunset & a place to see magnificent feats of human achievement, the like of which have never been witnessed in Great Britain before.” Moscow State Circus

Running from 23rd October through to 3rd November. Ealing Common, London, W5 3HN.


Screen shot 2013-09-24 at 17.01.08Circus Of Horrors’ London After Dark at The Lyric Theatre

If you’re tired of the same old circus, why not try something completely mental. Circus Of Horrors offers a show like no other, mixing a kaleidoscope of mad and bizarre stunts and disciplines to bring you a show that will have you unable to look away (despite how much you might want to). Delve into this twisted world, you won’t regret it.

Including many new acts & characters, this will be a show that you simply can’t afford to miss,
The COH favourites are still there but this year they a joined by a whole host of brilliantly wild Circus acts all rockin’  to the Devil driven Rock n’ Roll of The Interceptors From Hell.” Circus Of Horrors

From 28th October 2013. The Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES. For more information about the show’s 18th anniversary West End run, click the title link.


Gerry Cottle’s Circus at Alexandra PalaceFor web clown_DSC_7488

This family adventure of a circus nature has a huge variety of acts from clowns and a hula hoop troupe to a BMX superstar with 50 acts crammed into this 100 minute show. The vibrant and colourful show is for all ages, and with the addition of traditional circus interval nibbles of popcorn and candy floss, the kids will have a blast.

Circus has always evolved and changed over the years and no more so than now in this sophisticated, computerised modern age but WOW! is not just another Circus. It is a mad mix of Cabaret, Carnival, Circus, Comedy Chaos and Daredevil acts.”

From 25th September to 6th October 2013. Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY. You can also catch the show in Harpenden Common from 8th-13th October, Rochester from 15th-20th October and Clapham Common from 23rd October.


Juggling on tap postcard front (2) 2Juggling On Tap’s Rhythm Town at Jacksons Lane

Supported by Lab Time (through Circus Space), this combination of traditional circus juggling and other musical and dance disciplines makes for an interesting show. It’s a chance to get a first hand, raw and close up view of a performance that, although small in scale, has no shortage of entertainment value.

Juggling on Tap mash together Circus disciplines, Celtic flute, guitar, chanson, Irish dance, rhythm tap & drums. They mix under-the-skin rhythms with misfit dreams. Step aboard…” Jacksons Lane

28th October 2013, 8pm at Jacksons Lane Theatre, London, N6 5AA.You can read This Is Cabaret’s review of the show here.


The Insect Circus at Jacksons Lanemixed-group2

Jacksons Lane are coming up trumps in October, also offering up this fantastic family show. After a sell out 2012 run, the show is back with a vengeance, and lots of bugs. Performing a variety of acts, from strongman to aerial, it will be a feast for the eyes.

A fun-filled extravaganza for all the family, The Insect Circus is the perfect half-term show to keep children from 1 to 100 entertained!” Jacksons Lane

29th October to 2nd September 2013, with 12pm and 3pm shows at Jacksons Lane Theatre, London, N6 5AA.


Zippos Circus’ Carnaval at Peckham Rye

With everything from the strongman act, motorcycle act, aerial disciplines and a range of animal acts, Zippos is another family favourite and regularly sells out shows all over the UK throughout the year. The range of entertainment on offer, together with the friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes this a great choice for young children and families.

From 26th September to 1st October 2013 at Peckham Rye Common, Strakers Road, Peckham, London, SE15 3UH.