David Williamson, as Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade, leads a talented line-up of performers as Circus 1903 returns to Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall for its third Christmas Season.
A range of astounding new acts will accompany old favourites, transporting audiences back to the wonders of the Golden Age of Circus. Undoubtedly the most charming puppet elephants on any stage around the world, Queenie and Peanut will return for 2021.
Circus 1903’s third Christmas Season at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall from 16 Dec 2021 – 2 January 2022.
Circus 1903 is returning to London this Christmas, what can you tell us about the show?
If you haven’t seen Circus 1903 yet, it’s a big beautiful love letter to the traditions of the Circus. We transport the audience back in time to the Golden Age of the Circus using all of the tricks of the theatre.
We present a sumptuous, thrilling and awe inspiring experience with world class circus artists and the support of a cinematic original score, evocative sets, beautiful period-correct costumes, dramatic lighting and, of course our incredible elephants.
These life sized puppets are works of art and when they move, they become real in the minds of the audience. It’s magical. The show is thrilling, funny, sweet and sometimes a little scary.
If you’ve seen the show before, we’re bringing back some of the favourite acts as well as some exciting new performers this year.
Why do you think this was the ‘golden age’ of circus?
At the turn of the century the Circus was often the most exciting thing to happen to most towns. Circus day was a holiday! Schools and factories closed and the entire town would often come down to the train yard to see the great spectacle unfold.
Imagine the Oscars, the super bowl (in America) and a rock concert all rolled into one. Dozens of train cars filled with exotic animals and circus stars criss-crossed the country each season. The railroads made it possible to bring fantastical entertainment to the masses decades before radio and television.
Tell us about your role and what’s the biggest challenge of being Ringmaster?
Traditionally the Ringmaster of a circus is responsible for making sure that the show runs smoothly. It’s my job to introduce each act and give them the proper (sometimes over the top) build up. I’m also responsible for keeping the show running in case of a mishap.
Make no mistake, many of our acts are doing extremely difficult and dangerous stunts and routines. That’s what makes a live show exciting and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. I need to be able to cover and keep the crowd entertained at a moment’s notice. We’d have our share of accidents over the years so this role keeps me on my toes. I also happen to be a magician, so there are some fun magical moments throughout the show.
What are some of the highlights that audiences can expect?
There are so many! There is something for everyone in our show, it has a broad appeal across all generations from the exciting trapeze artists, to our elegant and skilled aerialist, to the pants-like comedy when children are invited to the stage. It’s a full on theatrical experience with the thrills of a big top circus.
Why do you think this makes the ideal show for Christmas?
As I said, it’s appealing to all ages. When we opened in 2017 at the Sydney Opera House I was watching a family a few rows back from the stage. Children, parents and Grandparents all laughing and thrilling together. In an age when everyone has their own separate screens to feed them their entertainment, it’s good to share an old fashioned communal experience. That’s what our show is about and that’s what the Holidays are about.
We hear there are some pretty spectacular puppets joining you on stage, what can you tell us about them?
Mervyn Millar and Tracey Waller, who did ground-breaking work on War Horse, created the life sized elephant puppets. The puppeteers in our show all have experience with this specialized form of the art of puppetry. Many of them being veterans of shows like War Horse and Walking with the Dinosaurs.
The Large Mother elephant, Queenie, was modelled after the largest known African elephant and she requires three very strong puppeteers to operate her. Our puppet team has spent time at the Sydney Zoo inside the elephant sanctuary getting up close and learning about the anatomy and behaviours of these magnificent creatures.
The baby elephant is called Peanut and he’s a very rambunctious and cheeky chap. Definitely a show favourite, especially with the young ones who come to the show. I don’t think most audiences will be prepared for the emotional impact of these puppets. I know I wasn’t.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Circus 1903?
Don’t hesitate! Get your tickets now before they’re gone! Our previous two seasons at The Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre were sell outs.
And leave your cares at the door as you step back in time to a simpler age. No Marvel movie is a match for actual super heroes of the circus flying through the air!
