The favourites from last year are back, accompanied by dazzling new acts performed by contortionists, acrobats, musicians, knife throwers, high wire and much more to take your breath away. Experience the gorgeous vintage ambience made to reminisce about the turn-of-the-century classic circuses from all four corners of the globe.
Book your tickets and come to the Royal Festival Hall as Circus 1903 returns with their unique, death-defying, jaw-dropping acts.
About Circus 1903
What is the story of Circus 1903?
Circus 1903 aims to celebrate the Golden Age of circus by crafting life-sized elephants for the show, taking audiences back in time to mimic the circuses of the turn-of-the-century. Circus 1903's main motive is to give the audience the experience of seeing elephants without an actual performance from the real animal.
From the renowned 'War Horse', the award-winning puppeteers of Circus 1903 return with the thrill of exciting acts, a ring leader, contortionists, and elephants from conventional circuses to the modern world. The contemporary American circus troupe behind Circus 1903 made their European debut in 2018 and never looked back.
Book your Circus 1903 tickets for a closer experience as they return to London at the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London.
What can I expect from Circus 1903?
You can expect a thrilling combination of the most brilliant acts from around the world when Circus 1903 returns to London. Not impressed yet?
The team behind 'War Horse' brings elephants back to the ring in ways you would have never thought.
Sensational puppetry prepares the stage for the unique, jaw-dropping, and dangerous acts from all four corners of the world. A mixture of incredible acts made up of strong men, contortionists, acrobats and musicians, knife-throwers, high-wire walkers and more will give you and your family the thrills and excitement you rightfully deserve.
Expect different acts by acrobats, trapeze artists, and sensational life-sized elephants perfectly created for your entertainment.
All these are made to give the feel of vintage circus nights and to remember the classic circuses of old times. Even if you and your family have seen the performance and show before, including the brilliant Brazilian Wheel of Death, there are new stunts that are fun and scary included in this season of the turn-of-the-century circus.
If you are looking for a day out in London, book your family's tickets now. Head to the South Bank and experience the thrills of an awe-inspiring show that will both captivate and transport audiences to the Golden Age of Circus. This turn-of-the-century circus show is perfect for audiences of all ages (3+).
Who is the team behind the production?
The producers have joined forces with the award-winning puppeteering team behind 'War Horse' to create something so pure, fun, and charming that will easily captivate audiences of all ages.
Alongside ringmaster Willy Whipsnade, these talented puppeteers are returning to the London stage with their trademark sensational puppetry. At Circus 1903, elephants are back in the ring in a whole new way, and the beautiful puppet elephants, Peanut and Queenie, are like no other on any stage.
Who is in the cast?
The cast of the show Circus 1903 includes contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, knife throwers, Peanut the elephant, and the ringmaster Willy Whipsnade. Between them, the spectacular team will mesmerise you and your family inside the theatre experience of your dreams.
What is the running time of Circus 1903 in London?
The running time of the Circus 1903 is 2 hours and 20 minutes. Catch the marvels and surprises of the circus as the show returns to London at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre.
What age is Circus 1903 suitable for?
The show at the Royal Festival Hall is suitable for all ages above three years. The show does not permit babies-in-arms.
Directions, Venue Info, And Attendee FAQs
Where is Circus 1903?
Circus 1903 takes place at London's Royal Festival Hall. The exact address of the venue is Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.
How do I get to the Royal Festival Hall?
There are various modes of transport that you can choose to get to the Royal Festival Hall, including both Tube and bus routes.
The nearest Tube station is Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo and City lines) which is a five-minute walk from the venue. You can also try Embankment (District and Circle lines) which is a seven-minute walk.
If you'd prefer to come by bus, choose from routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, and 521 with the stop at Waterloo Bridge, a two-minute walk from the venue. You can also stop at York Road with bus routes 76, 77, 211, 341, 381, and 507.
This stop is five minutes away from the theatre.
To travel by train to the venue, the nearest stations are Waterloo, Waterloo East, Charing Cross, and Blackfriars. Check timings and routes before choosing this mode of transport.
You can also travel by river on the Circular Cruise, with services between Westminster and St Katharine’s and alight at Festival Pier.
River buses operated by Thames Clippers can be opted for with the River Bus RB1 route and alight at London Eye Pier.
If you are travelling by road, there is a drop-off on the slip road outside Southbank Centre Square. However, parking is restricted in this area of London and public transport is recommended to travel to the venue.
Where can I park?
As parking is very restricted in the area, it is recommended that you travel by public transport. However, if you choose to come by car, there are four Blue Badge parking spaces on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road off Belvedere Road (between Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery).
You need to produce your Blue Badge, without which you will be refused entry.
It is free to use. There is also a car park available in the National Theatre car park and APCOA Cornwall Road Car Park for Blue Badge holders.
You can travel by bike too, with cycle parking located in Southbank Centre Square, off Belvedere Road.
Where are the toilets at the Royal Festival Hall?
There are accessible toilets on all levels of Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and the Hayward Gallery Foyer.
Is the Royal Festival Hall accessible?
Baby changing facilities, a multi-faith prayer room, a cloakroom, and public toilets with wheelchair access are all available at the London venue.
If visitors require step-free access to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer and the Purcell Room, enter via Riverside Terrace through the Royal Festival Hall JCB glass lift to Level 2.
To travel to seating row A, and other wheelchair spaces in the Queen Elizabeth Hall auditorium, enter via the Artist Entrance on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road, in Level 1. To access the Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden, you can use the roof garden lift on Level 1 (Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road).
Restaurants and cafes all have step-free access.
Guiding and narration, along with other assistance, will be provided for blind and visually impaired visitors.
What are Circus 1903's showtimes?
There are three shows every day at 11.00 a.m., 3.00 p.m., and 5.30 p.m. Please check the timings before you book your tickets to avoid any inconvenience.
Where can I eat nearby?
There are numerous cafes and restaurants on the site of the theatre and Southbank Centre Street Food market. Côte Brasserie, located at the Festival Terrace of the venue, is perfect for families and children to get some post-show French lunch or dinner.
There is also a vegetarian option in Honest Burgers with many gluten-free options for the family and kids. This is also located on the Festival Terrace. There are a lot of other options to choose f
