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. 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.
Where:
- Barnet Playing Fields (Barnet EN56 2DA): 15 May to 19 May at various times.
- East Ham – Central Park (Central Park Rd, E6 3AB): 8 May to 12 May at various times.
- Figges Marsh (Streatham Rd, Mitcham CR4 2AD): 24 April to 28 May at various times.
2. 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)
3. La Clique
Celebrate the festive season in London with La Clique, a dazzling extravaganza of circus, comedy and cabaret. La Clique takes up its annual residency in the Spiegeltent tent as part of the Christmas Festival in Leicester Square each winter. The award-winning show has toured the world and features only the best international artists, including aerialists, talented acrobats and contortionists, and other high-flying performers including fire breathers. Keep an eye out for the 2025 schedule of this not-to-be-missed circus in London.
Where: Leicester Square Spiegeltent (WC2H 7DE), November to January
4. Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil regularly returns to the Royal Albert Hall with its dazzling spectacles. Performances have included shows such as Totem, a journey through the evolution of mankind, and Luzia, which featured an imaginary Mexico through a surrealistic series of visual surprises and thrilling acrobatic performances or Ovo, which brings to live the colourful world of a beautiful ladybug who falls in love with an unusual specimen and it's love at first sight. Cirque du Soleil is currently touring with their new show Corteo, where a clown dreams about his funeral and looks back on his past and all the experiences he made along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for when this fantastic circus company returns to London.
Where: Royal Albert Hall (Kensington Gore, South Kensington SW7 2AP), 9 January to 2 March
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.
Where: Empress Museum (Empress Pl SW6 1TT), Wednesday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 10pm
Book your tickets now for this spectacular night at COME ALIVE! London.
8. 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), From 15 March
