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 an adrenaline-fuelled show.
The show regularly performs at venues across the capital, entertaining in East London in April, moving south of the river to Wimbledon in May and Crystal Palace in September, before ending at Winter Wonderland in December.
Book your tickets now for a fun family day out in London.
2. Circus Restaurant
Enjoy dinner, cocktails and cabaret with spellbinding acts at Circus Restaurant in Covent Garden. Aerialists, contortionists, fire-breathers, hula-hoopers: look up to see a world of entertainment unfold in front of you, or even served up directly on your table, while you enjoy your dinner. Indulge in the lavish creations of Executive Chef Andrew Lassetter's Pan-Asian menus, while enjoying spectacular performances that strike the perfect balance between elegance and extravagance.
3. 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 ground-breaking disciplines that combine dance, circus and the dramatic arts of theatre performance.
4. 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 2024 schedule of this not-to-be-missed show.
5. 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. Cirque du Soleil is currently touring with their brand new show, Ovo, which brings to life the colourful world of a beautiful ladybug who falls in love with an unusual specimen and it's love at first sight. Keep your eyes peeled for when this fantastic circus company returns to London.
6. 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.
7. The Magic Circle
Discover the mesmerizing 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 cozy, 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!
Book your tickets now for the close-up nights at the Magic Circle.
