From daredevil stunts to mesmerising acrobatics, big top shows to intimate performances, there’s plenty to be wowed by at London circus venues.
Look out for one-of-a-kind shows and seasonal pop-ups from some of the best circus acts in the world, or find equally exciting performances with London's varied theatre shows.
1. Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil returns year after year to the Royal Albert Hall, usually dazzling audiences every January with a unique spectacle bursting with breathtaking acrobatics and stunts. In 2027, join Cirque du Soleil as the company celebrates 30 years at the Royal Albert Hall with one of its best-loved productions, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities. Get ready for a steampunk-inspired spectacle of gravity-defying acrobatics packed with breathtaking acts, dazzling costumes, mind-boggling sets and high-energy choreography.
Where: Royal Albert Hall (Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP). This is a strictly limited run from 13 January to 28 February 2027 (showtimes yet to be confirmed).
Don't miss out on an unforgettable circus experience and book your Cirque du Soleil tickets now!
2. COME ALIVE! London: The Greatest Showman Circus
Inspired by the film The Greatest Showman, experience COME ALIVE at Empress Museum Earl's Court for outstanding circus acts in London. Arrive early for an interactive behind-the-Big-Top experience, starting one hour before show-time with close-up performances, interesting characters, delicious food and alluring drinks. Take your seat and enjoy the show with international circus stars and musical talent from the West End and featuring hit songs from the Greatest Showman like "This is me", "Rewrite the Stars" and more. Take a sneak peek behind the scenes before your visit, and read our exclusive interview with the show's creative director and stage designer for fascinating revelations.
Where: Empress Museum (Empress Pl SW6 1TT), Wednesday to Sunday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Book your tickets now for this spectacular night at COME ALIVE! London.
3. Cirque Berserk at the Garrick Theatre
Presented by Zippos, catch the award-winning Cirque Berserk as it returns to the West End this October for a strictly limited run. Experience Britain’s biggest and boldest theatre-circus extravaganza showcasing stunning circus acts in a mesmerising spectacle created especially for the stage. Performed by an international troupe of more than 30 talented acrobats, aerialists and stuntmen, the show perfectly combines contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action.
Where: Garrick Theatre (2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH). This is a strictly limited run with various performance times from 21 to 31 October.
Book your tickets for Cirque Berserk, the ultimate theatre-circus experience.
4. Cirque Alice
Step into the magical world of Cirque Alice, a spectacular circus extravaganza packed with gravity-defying acts, coming to London’s Southbank Centre this Christmas. Taking audiences down the rabbit hole into a magical wonderland inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Cirque Alice reimagines the classic tale with a circus twist. Circus performers of all kinds take to the stage, stunning audience members with sensational acrobatics, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, and gravity-defying aerial acts. Music and comedy acts are featured between circus acts, making for a surreal and whimsical experience.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX). This is a strictly limited run with various performance times from 12 December to 3 January 2027.
Book your tickets for Cirque Alice and enjoy spectacular circus performances.
5. Scrooge! A Cirque Extravaganza
This season, see Dickens' festive classic A Christmas Carol with a circus twist as Scrooge! A Cirque Extravaganza takes over the London Excel with a series of spectacular shows that blend pantomime with musical theatre and breathtaking circus performances. Meet the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge as he is given one last chance to confront his actions and make amends, in a bid to find the long-dormant Christmas spirit within him. Watch world-class circus performers take to the stage and retell the story in a whole new way, with gravity-defying acrobatics, high-flying stunts, and fire-breathing displays.
Where: ICC Auditorium, ExCeL London (Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL). This is a strictly limited run with various performance times from 23 to 28 December.
6. Zippos Circus
Zippo Circus is back for another year touring the UK, a magical big top show featuring dazzling acrobats and aerialists, comics and daredevils. Be mesmerised by a cast of talented performers carrying on the 50-year legacy of founder Martin Burton, with dancers and trapeze artists, clowns to entertain the whole family and a host of other thrilling acts for adrenaline-fuelled circus shows in London.
The show regularly performs at venues across the capital, before ending at Winter Wonderland in December.
7. Jacksons Lane Theatre
Watch an array of dynamic and innovative fringe performances and contemporary circus shows at Jacksons Lane Theatre in Highgate. Housed in an imaginatively converted listed Edwardian church, it also has a strong programme of children's theatre. See a wide range of contemporary acts at the UK's leading circus venue, from breathtaking acrobatics to groundbreaking disciplines that combine dance, circus and the dramatic arts of theatre performance.
Where: Highgate (269A Archway Road, London N6 5SS)
8. Underbelly Festival
Look out for great circus shows, theatre, cabaret and entertainment for the whole family at the annual Underbelly Festival, in Cavendish Square each summer. Enjoy the sunshine and get ready for a fun-packed festival of live shows and alfresco eating and drinking.
Where: Cavendish Square Gardens (W1G 0AN), TBC
9. The Magic Circle
Discover the mesmerising magic of the Close Up Nights at The Magic Circle in London. Get up close to expert magicians as they wow you with incredible tricks and mind-boggling illusions in a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Though the Magic Circle isn't your typical circus, prepare to be spellbound by astonishing magic acts up close during one of its Close Up Nights. Get ready to witness mind-blowing tricks firsthand, and who knows, you might even become part of the magic yourself!
Where: Centre for the Magic Arts (12 Stephenson Way, NW1 2HD), seasonal shows throughout the year
