The world of live entertainment has evolved tremendously over the last few decades.
Among the most dazzling and captivating forms of performance art is the circus, and the UK is home to some of the most innovative circus production companies working internationally.
One name that consistently stands out is Gandeys, renowned for world-class talent, jaw-dropping circus acts, and large-scale circus productions that tour globally.
Whether it’s performing in historic theatres, corporate events, or festivals, Gandeys has carved a reputation for excellence in contemporary circus, blending traditional circus arts with innovative performance arts to create experiences that leave audiences breathless.
This blog explores the workings of UK circus production companies like Gandeys, their international reach, and the life of circus performers today.
The Legacy of UK Circus Production Companies
The UK has a long and rich history of circus and live performance. From classic circus shows in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to London’s West End, UK circuses have evolved to embrace both tradition and contemporary circus trends.
Companies like Gandeys are no longer limited to touring the UK—they are working internationally, collaborating with theatre, dance, and performance arts institutions, and producing large-scale circus productions for corporate events, product launches, and even music videos.
With creative directors, artistic directors, and a diverse creative team, Gandeys blends world class talent including circus performers, acrobats, dancers, and cabaret artists into amazing shows.
Their productions are not only entertainment, but a fusion of circus arts, music, magic, and cutting-edge stage technology, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Do Travelling Circuses Still Exist in the UK?
Yes, travelling circuses still exist, and many are thriving. Gandeys, for instance, is one of the leading circus production companies working internationally, touring the UK with spectacular productions that appeal to families, corporate clients, and theatre enthusiasts alike. Modern travelling circuses have adapted to contemporary tastes, focusing on circus entertainment that showcases circus acts, acrobatics, and world-class talent, often incorporating themes from theatre, dance, and musical talent.
Circus performers are trained not just in traditional skills, but also in performance arts, making them versatile enough to perform in film, TV, music videos, and concerts for stars like Kylie Minogue, Pink, Take that and many more.
How Much Do Circus Performers Earn in the UK?
One of the most common questions is: How much does a circus performer make in the UK?
Circus performers earn varying salaries depending on experience, skill level, and the scale of the production.
Entry-level circus artists or trainees can expect a starting salary. Experienced performers, particularly acrobats, dancers, or acts in large scale, world class circus productions, can earn more annually.
Top-tier performers who tour internationally, perform in multiple shows weekly, or work in high-profile events like private parties, corporate events, and festivals, can earn a top bracket wage dependent on event.
In addition to monetary compensation, circus performers often receive training, travel, and accommodation benefits.
Many consider working in a circus a dream job, as it combines artistic expression, travel, and a close-knit team environment.
How to Join a Travelling Circus
If you’ve ever wondered, how do I join a travelling circus?, the process is both rigorous and rewarding. Most UK circus production companies like Gandeys recruit through:
- Talent auditions at festivals or open calls
- Professional circus schools and academies
- Recommendations from circus artists or mentors in the circus arts community
Prospective performers should focus on developing world class skills in acrobatics, juggling, dance, magic, or aerial acts.
Circus schools in the UK often partner with production companies to place graduates in touring shows, corporate events, or large scale circus productions.
Joining a company like Gandeys not only offers life-changing experiences, but the opportunity to perform internationally and collaborate with top creative directors and artistic teams.
The Biggest Circus in the UK
When it comes to size and recognition, Gandeys is often considered among the biggest circuses in the UK, particularly for contemporary circus and world class productions:
- Touring corporate events and festivals internationally
- Producing jaw-dropping circus acts with world class performers
- Collaborating with institutions such as the Royal Opera House, Royal Ballet, and Royal Shakespeare Company
- Creating innovative circus shows that combine circus arts, dance, and music
Gandeys’ productions are known for their diverse range of acts, from acrobats and jugglers to dancers, cabaret performers, and live music.
What Makes Gandeys World Class Productions Unique?
There are several factors that set Gandeys apart from other UK circus production companies:
- World Class Talent: Their circus performers, acrobats, and circus artists are among the most skilled in the entertainment industry, trained in both circus arts and performance arts.
- Large Scale Productions: Gandeys produces large-scale circus shows for corporate events, private parties, festivals, and international tours, often collaborating with the creative team of a creative director or artistic director to ensure consistent quality.
- Diverse Range of Acts: Their shows feature a mix of acrobatics, dance, cabaret, magic, and innovative circus acts, appealing to audiences of all ages.
- International Reach: As a UK circus production company working internationally, Gandeys has taken its circus productions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, demonstrating that British circus arts can compete on a global stage.
- Creative Integration: Gandeys merges music, costumes, dance, and theatre with traditional circus acts, making performances truly amazing and memorable.
Life as a Circus Performer
Being a circus performer is often described as a dream job, but it requires dedication and resilience. Circus talent must:
- Train daily to perfect acrobatics, dance, or magic
- Collaborate with the creative team on staging, music, and costumes
- Travel extensively for corporate events, festivals, or international tours
- Adapt to different arenas to international theatres
While demanding, this life offers opportunities to perform for audiences, participate in music videos, film, and TV projects, and work with stars like Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, or in tribute shows to David Bowie.
Are There Any Circuses Still in Business?
Absolutely. The circus industry is alive and evolving. Companies like Gandeys and they demonstrate that circuses can thrive by blending traditional circus arts with contemporary circus and performance arts.
Modern circuses are not just tents—they are world class productions staged in theatres, arenas, and outdoor festivals, delivering unforgettable entertainment.
Joining the Gandeys Team
For those looking to join a travelling circus, Gandeys offers opportunities for both circus performers and behind-the-scenes talent. Positions are available in:
- Acrobatics and aerial acts
- Dance and cabaret performance
- Technical production, stage, lighting, and creative direction
- Costume, music, and choreography
By joining Gandeys, performers become part of a team that tours internationally, collaborates with creative directors and artistic directors, and produces jaw-dropping shows that combine circus arts, music, and performance arts.
The Future of UK Circus Production Companies
The UK remains at the forefront of contemporary circus thanks to companies like Gandeys.
With their focus on world class talent, innovative circus productions, and international reach, they continue to shape the global entertainment industry in country’s such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, France and many more.
Gandeys stands as a shining example of what UK circus production companies can achieve on a global stage.
With a focus on world class talent, circus arts, and contemporary circus innovation, Gandeys produces circus shows that are not only entertainment, but transformative performance arts experiences.
From acrobatics to dance, magic to music videos, their circus productions showcase the full range of circus talent, appealing to audiences of all ages.
For performers, working with Gandeys is a dream job, offering a life of creativity, travel, and collaboration with some of the most skilled circus artists in the world.
Whether you’re an aspiring performer wanting to join the team, a theatre-goer seeking amazing shows, or a corporate client planning a large-scale event, Gandeys’ world class productions demonstrate the heights of UK circus entertainment today.
