one4review | On 31, Jul 2025

If you want your young person’s first taste of circus to be packed with energy, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos, this show is for you. From the very start, the clown keeps little ones entertained with silly shenanigans, and plenty of slapstick energy. When the ringmaster enters the stage (if you’ve seen The Greatest Magic Show, you may recognise some of the cast, not a bad thing). It’s clear he knows exactly how to hype up an audience, from the ‘Applause-o-meter’ to ensuring we’re all using our big voices today. Every child screams with excitement (bring ear defenders), and there’s a great energy in the room from the off!

I saw this show in 2024, and I must say everything has stepped up a notch and feels a lot smoother and effortless. Alanah Hart dazzles, firstly with her hula skills, but her aerial lyra really stands out as a highlight of the show! The Diablo act brought a rush of speed (and neon lights), and although some bits went astray, this was the opening day, and I expect within a few performances this will be sorted. The show of strength seen in the next performance (Stars of Children Are Stinky) was fantastic and really got the crowd cheering for “MORE CHAIRS.” Sam, Sam, the magic man, brings a touch of fire and levitation to leave little ones gasping.

The show closes with the clown’s big moment, a hilarious routine inside a giant balloon that has the audience howling. It’s an hour packed with colour, spectacle, and safe family fun. Alanah Hart and the clown steal the show, but the whole team brings a warm, inclusive energy. This isn’t high-concept Cirque du Soleil; it’s a child-friendly introduction to circus with laughs, tricks, and thrills, perfect for younger audiences and first-time circus-goers.

****

Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly George Square Gardens-Palais du Variete
14.50 (1hr)
Until 25 Aug (not 18)