Wow just wow! The Blackpool Tower Circus is Blackpool’s longest-running show. If you’ve seen the Greatest Showman or those old movies about big tops you’ll know what to expect – when you step into the performance arena it’s like going back in time. Dating back to 1894 it wouldn’t surprise us if some of the original flooring, chairs, wall tiles and lighting ideas are still being used.
We were lucky enough to watch a performance as the Uk started to come out of Covid restrictions. It was a strange yet wonderful time to be sat in a theatre watching live performers. That said it obviously meant that some elements of the show had to be amended to fit in with safety restrictions – despite this it did not disappoint.
We’ve been to the Blackpool Tower Circus a number of times over the years and were worried that it wouldn’t have kept up with current expectations of the modern audience. Whilst it doesn’t have the artistry of Cirque Du Solei, it’s not trying to compete with them. It is a traditional circus and it certainly fulfils this remit and then some.
Since 1991 it’s been run by the Endresz family. Mooky the Clown is part of the family and in 30 years of watching him perform at various points in his career he doesn’t age or date. These days he’s joined by his younger, but much taller brother as a ringmaster come straight man.
While we were there we saw men spinning at great speeds on what can only be described as hamster wheels, acrobats firing performers off see saws high into the air, tightrope walkers and jugglers managing to keep ten balls in the air at once. All this and more in a two hour show accompanied by a live band.
What’s nice is because it’s an old fashioned circus everyone pulls their weight. You’ll see the acrobats donning dark coats to help move about apparatus for other performers or at the interval meet them selling popcorn and candy floss.
At our latest visit we introduced a 4 year old boy to the spectacle for the first time. It was wonderful watching it through his eyes. He was blown away and like me when I first saw it in the nineties has probably lost part of himself to circus, flying through the air on the trapeze or bringing the joy of laughter to masses by simply knocking over a drum kit.
Adult admission to the Blackpool Tower Circus is £19.50 (2021 prices) but you can save money by buying a combination ticket for other experiences in the tower like the Blackpool Tower Eye.
LOCATION & MAP
Address: Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA
Tel: +44 1253 375187
MORE ON BLACKPOOL TOWER
Blackpool Tower – Official Website
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