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 in January with a unique spectacle bursting with breathtaking acrobatics and stunts. In 2026, Ovo brought the colourful world of a beautiful ladybird to life as she fell in love with an unusual specimen — it was love at first sight! The show dives into the mesmerising world of bugs and insects, defying gravity with stunning acrobatics and a kaleidoscope of show-stopping circus and modern theatre acts.
Dates and shows for 2027 are yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, you can read our review of last year's spectacular show, Ovo.
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, with shows at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Book your tickets now for this spectacular night at COME ALIVE! London.
3. Sabrage Cabaret and Circus Show at Lafayette London
The name Sabrage is taken from the "ceremonial practice of opening a champagne bottle with a saber". Be part of this theatrical experience marrying circus and cabaret at Lafayette in London's King's Cross. It is a place where the extraordinary talents from acrobatics and cabaret perform and provide a mix of "French glamour, high-end spectacle and and titillating acts to infatuate, illuminate and inspire".
Where: Lafayette, King's Cross (11 Goods Way N1C 4DP), Tuesday to Sunday, various performance times.
Book your tickets for Sabrage, the ultimate cabaret and 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), 12 Dec 2026-3 Jan 2027: performance times vary throughout the festive season.
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 varied performance times from 23 to 28 December.
Book your tickets now to see Scrooge! A Cirque Extravaganza and be entered into the £1000 seat prize draw.
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 Rd, 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
