Its official! Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus is coming to the Big Top in 2026
We are thrilled to announce our brand-new production for 2026: Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus – a dazzling fusion of East meets West, where myth, magic, and imagination come alive beneath the Big Top. This spectacular new show draws inspiration from the energy and storytelling of K-Pop: Demon Hunters, promising audiences of all ages a thrilling adventure filled with dragons, daring feats, and unforgettable moments of wonder.
The Story Begins
At the heart of the show is Ringmaster Joel, the charismatic guide who leads audiences through a world of myth and spectacle. Joining him is his playful clown companion, La Loka, whose humour and charm bring lightness and warmth to the adventure.
Their journey begins when they discover a baby dragon, and together they embark on a heartwarming quest to reunite the young dragon with her majestic mother, guarded by the noble dragon riders.
Along the way, audiences are treated to an extraordinary blend of global circus artistry, mixing East and West, old and new – creating a true celebration of international collaboration.
A Celebration of Creativity and Collaboration
While the show’s acts are already thrilling, what makes Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus unique is its creative vision. The production is a collaboration of artists, designers, and performers from around the world, each contributing their own skills and cultural perspectives.
Costume designers are developing vibrant, fantastical outfits that bring the dragons and performers to life, blending traditional aesthetics with modern theatrical flair. Set designers are imagining an immersive Big Top environment where every corner sparks wonder and fuels the imagination. Lighting and projection teams are exploring innovative ways to make the stage feel alive – transforming it into a world that’s as magical as the story itself.
Even the choreography promises a fusion of global influences. The creative team is experimenting with movement styles that capture both the dramatic intensity of K-Pop-inspired storytelling and the elegance of centuries-old performance traditions.
Dragons, Myth, and Meaning
Dragons are at the heart of the narrative, representing courage, curiosity, and the bonds that unite us across cultures. The baby dragon embodies innocence and discovery, while her mother represents guidance and strength. Their journey mirrors our own – exploring new worlds, facing challenges, and finding home in unexpected places.
The story also celebrates themes of unity and connection, reflecting Gandeys’ commitment to bringing people together through art. By combining performers, music, and cultural motifs from across the globe, the show becomes a living metaphor for collaboration and shared creativity.
Inspiration from K-Pop and Beyond
The energy and storytelling style of K-Pop: Demon Hunters have inspired the show’s visual and thematic approach. From bold, dynamic character design to larger-than-life stage moments, this influence adds a contemporary flair while remaining firmly grounded in Gandeys’ circus tradition.
The production is not only a celebration of spectacle, but also of emotion and storytelling through movement. Audiences can expect moments that are visually exhilarating and deeply human, reminding us that courage, friendship, and family are universal themes that transcend language and culture.
Behind the Scenes
Creating a production of this scale is a massive undertaking. The team behind Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus is working tirelessly to ensure every detail contributes to the story’s magic.
From conceptual sketches to early stage designs, every element is carefully considered – from the height of the rigging to the materials used in costumes, to the subtle cues in lighting and sound that will guide audience emotions. Even the rehearsals, although still in planning stages, are designed to cultivate trust, precision, and artistry among performers.
The Big Top itself becomes part of the storytelling. Every rope, beam, and platform will be strategically used to immerse the audience, making them feel like they are part of the dragons’ journey. It’s this attention to detail that ensures Gandeys’ productions are more than shows – they are fully immersive experiences.
The Audience Experience
Watching Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus will be more than seeing performers on stage – it will be stepping into a new world. The show is designed to engage all the senses, with bold visuals, imaginative staging, and moments of suspense and delight that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Families, K-Pop fans, and circus enthusiasts alike will find something to captivate their hearts. The mix of storytelling, comedy, and breathtaking visuals ensures that every audience member leaves inspired, entertained, and with a sense of wonder.
Sound and rhythm will be a driving force of the experience – a pulse that carries the narrative and connects the audience emotionally to the dragons’ journey.
Gandeys Legacy and the Future
For over a century, Gandeys has been at the forefront of circus innovation, blending daring feats with unforgettable storytelling. Founded in the early 20th century by Robert “Bob” Gandey, the circus began as a small troupe known as the North Western Troupe, showcasing Bob’s own rope-spinning skills and charming pony acts. From these humble beginnings, Gandey’s Circus quickly grew, captivating audiences across the UK with its unique mix of traditional circus arts, wild west shows, and later, pioneering specialty acts.
Gandey’s vision laid the foundation for a circus that combined technical skill with theatrical flair, a philosophy that continues to guide the company today. Despite challenges such as World War II, Bob ensured the show went on, creating a legacy of resilience and dedication to performance that has been passed down through generations.
Following Bob’s passing, his son Philip Gandey, the youngest circus director in Britain at the time, took the reins. Together with his wife Carol, Philip expanded the circus into the international arena, introducing innovative productions such as the Chinese State Circus, Cirque Surreal, the Lady Boys of Bangkok, and the Havana Troupe.
Under their leadership, Gandeys maintained its commitment to blending classical circus tradition with contemporary creativity, continually captivating new audiences while honoring the family’s rich heritage.
Today, Gandeys Circus remains a living testament to this enduring legacy. The company continues to combine breathtaking acts, imaginative storytelling, and cultural collaboration, ensuring that every new production reflects both the thrill of live performance and the joy of shared experience under the Big Top.
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus represents the next chapter in this remarkable journey. By fusing modern influences like K-Pop and the epic storytelling of Demon Hunters with centuries-old performance traditions, the show bridges past and future, creating an entirely new form of circus spectacle. It is both a tribute to the company’s history and a bold leap forward – inviting audiences to experience the magic of Gandeys in an entirely contemporary context, while remaining rooted in the values that have defined the family business for generations: innovation, artistry, and a love for storytelling that transcends time and culture.
Coming in 2026
As production progresses, Gandeys will be sharing behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, and interviews with performers and creatives. Fans can follow the journey as the Big Top is transformed, and as the dragons and their story take shape.
Tour dates and ticketing details have been announced, with more yet to come, and the anticipation is already building.
The show promises to be a highlight of 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience a world of magic, adventure, and creativity like never before.
A Shared Celebration
Ultimately, Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus is about connection. It’s a celebration of artistry, imagination, and the joy of being part of something larger than oneself. The dragons’ journey is a metaphor for the human experience: exploring, learning, and finding home.
When the lights rise in 2026, the Big Top will become a place where legends come to life, where performers dazzle, and where every audience member shares in the wonder.
Gandeys K-Pop Dragon Circus — Coming 2026
Where East meets West. Where legends come to life. Where every beat tells a story.
Current Locations Include:
You don’t want to miss it.
