The main image is two performers sat on a raised tight wire in a dark circus tent. The circus tent is decorated with gold stars and bunting. To the right is the main character, Krista who is a young white woman of short stature with short brown hair looking away into the distance. To the left is Gerhard, a young white man with short brown hair, who gazes intently at the other performer, Krista, as he reaches his hand to touch her. Both characters’ costumes are in the style of the 1930s. Hers is a shiny silver beaded corset with white silk shorts, tights and black shoes. He looks elegant in brown trousers and a brown waistcoat over a long-sleeved white shirt and black shoes. Underneath the two performers burns a small fierce fire with red flames, reaching the soles of their feet and signifying the danger beneath this love story
Photo credit: Paul Blakemore. Design by Studio Stiles
Past Event
Dance

Waldo's Circus of Magic and Terror

Extraordinary Bodies
Tue 7 - Tue 14 Feb 2023
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Extraordinary Bodies return to Brighton Festival following the hugely successful Human in 2022. 

Come one, come all to a spectacular new musical Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror. Under the twinkling stars of the big top, sensational circus, powerful magic and electrifying music combine to tell a poignant story of courage, resistance and love.

It’s 1933 Brandenburg and the Nazis are burning books and suspending civil rights. Many are desperate to escape, but for Waldo and his travelling circus of outcasts, acrobats and aerialists, ‘the show must go on’.

As Hitler’s dictatorship strengthens and oppression grows, the daring humanity and courage of this circus troupe stay hidden beneath the painted-on glamour of Waldo’s big top. Love, loyalty and risk-taking balance on the tightwire as the world outside becomes darker and more dangerous.

This spectacular new circus theatre musical is informed by historical research and the experiences of real performers. It is written by Hattie Naylor (Ivan and the Dogs, The Night Watch) and Jamie Beddard (Messiah, The Elephant Man) with an original score by Charles Hazlewood (Paraorchestra).

Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror is a large-scale collaboration between D/deaf, disabled, and non-disabled artists and creators and tours nationally in 2023.

Find out more about the true stories of circus performers with this Digital Exhibition by Stav Meishar.

Click here to download the Easy Read Visual Story.

Trailer: Waldo's Circus of Magic and Terror

Audience Reactions: Waldo's Circus of Magic and Terror

Audio Brochure Event Listing

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