Following a spectacular return season at the Sydney Opera House, the cast of Circus 1903 are making their way to Arts Centre Melbourne at the beginning of 2024 after sell-out seasons in Los Angeles, New York, a Las Vegas residency, and London’s West End. The award-winning team behind The Illusionists and international sensation War Horse invites audiences to witness the Golden Age of circus with their mesmerising Circus 1903 at Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre from 4–14 January 2024.

The show is set to transport audiences into a world of entertainment featuring 22 performers from various countries such as Sweden, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Spain, and more. This diverse cast will showcase the finest acts from across the globe, demonstrating death-defying feats, human endeavor, and the timeless allure of the circus.

Renowned comedian and award-winning magician David Williamson from the USA will return as the Ringmaster, Willy Whipsnade. Williamson, acclaimed for his hilarious audience interaction and unexpected magical delights, has captivated audiences worldwide, including as a special guest on American’s Got Talent.

Among the captivating performers joining Williamson on stage:

Elena Suarez Pariente (Spain), also known as Lucky Moon, will showcase her aerial artistry, suspending herself above the crowd using only her hair. With a career starting at the age of 3, Elena also performed as the original ballerina in Cirque Du Soleil’s Volta.

Alexey Mruz (Ukraine), a second-generation circus artist with 15 years of experience as a Rola Bola performer. He will balance atop a teetering tower of unusual objects, assisted by Yuliya Novikova, as the Bold Balancer, enthralling audiences.

Francois Borie (France), a performer with over two decades of experience and part of Circus 1903 since its inception in 2016. As The Great Gaston, Francois will dazzle audiences with an act involving an ever-increasing number of juggling pieces.

The remarkable African elephant puppets, Queenie and her calf Peanut, will be brought to life by skilled puppeteers Chris Milford, James Donovan Smith, Mikey Brett, Nyron Levy, and Significant Object, the team behind the award-winning War Horse.

“It is a delight to be collaborating with Arts Centre Melbourne in presenting the world’s best family entertainment for our 10th summer season. From its Melbourne debut at Regent Theatre in 2016, like many of our shows before, Circus 1903 has enjoyed huge international success due to its broad audience appeal, high production values boasting all the thrills and spills of a grand big top circus, set in the comfort of an iconic venue,” said Circus 1903 Producer, Tim Lawson.

“Circus 1903 is an opportunity for Melbourne to witness the impossible made real,” added Lawson. The show introduces the audience to incredible craftsmanship and awe-inspiring elephant puppetry, recreating the magic of War Horse on stage.

Creative Team & Artists:

Producers: Tim Lawson and Simon Painter
Director: Neil Dorward
Composer: Evan Jolly
Puppet Director: Mervyn Millar

Arts Centre Melbourne in association with Tim Lawson and The Works Entertainment presents Circus 1903 at the State Theatre from 4 to 14 January 2024. The duration of the show is 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. The show is recommended for all ages, and specific performances on Saturday, 6 January at 2:00 pm and Friday, 12 January at 7:30 pm, will be audio described.

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Photo@ Ken Leanford