The Circus Yard

Revel Puck Circus are an acclaimed contemporary circus company from East London, known for their thrilling, community-led productions blending daring acrobatics, visual spectacle and joyful energy. They're bringing their most ambitious project yet to Brighton Fringe. ‘The Circus Yard’ features two Big Tops, a covered festival bar, and a handpicked programme of over 30 circus and cabaret shows running throughout May. I was invited down to see a few acts from different shows to get a taste for the season ahead.

Our host Nancy (star of The Ruckus – one of the main shows at The Circus Yard) brought high energy and bold charisma. She was full of cheeky charm and jokes, keeping the show moving at a lively pace. Personally, her style didn’t quite land for me—but credit where it’s due—Nancy knew how to work a crowd. The audience was clearly on board, laughing, clapping, and joining in with gusto. There were moments that felt a little too zany or offbeat for my liking, but circus isn’t about subtlety—it’s about spectacle, and Nancy delivered that in spades. Hosting a show like this, with its shifting acts and unpredictable energy, is no easy task, and Nancy handled it with confidence and flair. Whether you loved her or were slightly bewildered, she definitely left an impression—and in circus, that’s half the job.

An audience-participatory performance from In This Together took an unconventional approach—inviting the audience to literally light the show with handheld torches (yes, actual torches, not metaphorical ones). It’s an intriguing concept: breaking down the barrier between performer and spectator, and asking us to become part of the stagecraft. The opening was slow to build, with long stretches, but once the main act got going, the performers revealed a surprisingly strong and skilful routine—full of elegant movement. The interaction between light and performer created some striking visual moments, though at times it felt like the torch gimmick was doing more work than necessary. Still, there’s something admirable about a show that takes creative risks. While the pacing could benefit from a trim and a touch more clarity in the early moments, the concept is bold, the performers committed, and it’s definitely not your average circus fare.

A roller-skating hula hoop act from The Rola Circus by Luminous Productions was nothing short of electrifying. It combined the grace and rhythm of hula hoop artistry with the speed and agility of roller-skating, resulting in a high-octane performance that felt like a circus act choreographed by a DJ in a neon-lit nightclub. Just when you thought you’d seen the extent of the performer's talents, they threw in some slick breakdancing moves—on skates, no less—which sent the energy levels soaring and the audience into audible gasps. It was the kind of act that kept you on the edge of your seat, not just because of the technical difficulty, but because it oozed confidence, flair, and fun. The transitions were seamless, the tricks bold, and the performer's charisma undeniable. It was a well-rehearsed, high-energy showpiece that felt as much a dance number as it did a circus stunt—think disco-meets-circus on wheels, with a side of “how are they even doing that?” Easily one of the standout performances of the night, it perfectly captured the playful, boundary-pushing spirit of The Circus Yard.

The aerial trio from Scratch That Cabaret, performed by students from the National Centre for Circus Arts, brought a refreshing burst of energy and enthusiasm to the stage. From the moment they started, their joy and commitment to the craft were evident, creating an infectious sense of fun that resonated with the audience. Their aerial sequences showcased a solid foundation of technique, with some beautifully executed moves and synchronized movements that demonstrated both trust and timing. The trio clearly had a strong rapport, which added charm and cohesion to their performance. However, there were moments—particularly during transitions—where the energy dipped slightly. A bit more fluidity and dynamic build-up between their highlight moments could have helped maintain momentum and taken the performance from good to truly gripping. That said, their creativity, presence, and willingness to take risks showed real promise. As students, they’re still shaping their artistic voice, and what they delivered was an exciting glimpse of their potential. It was a well-received act that, with a little refinement, could soar to even greater heights in future performances.

Burlesque came in the form of She’s B.Hind You by Lucinda B. Hind—a blend of burlesque, drag, and cheeky cabaret that brought sass, sparkle, and saucy humour. This one’s definitely not for the kids (18+), but for adults in search of a little late-night mischief, it’s a perfect pick. Think sequins, struts, and double entendres that would make your nan blush and then secretly ask for a ticket. Lucinda commanded the stage with razor-sharp wit, striking presence, and just the right amount of self-aware camp, drawing laughs and cheers in equal measure. The act was more than just glitz and glamour—it had theatrical flair, clever timing, and body confidence. If you like your circus with a feather boa, a strong cocktail, and a wink that says, “we all know what’s coming next,” this is unmissable.

Juggling artistry from Behemoth by Ivy Moon Cafe was a solid, if understated, performance that leaned more into subtle charm than show-stopping spectacle. Centered around foot juggling—a discipline that already requires immense control and coordination—Ivy executed the routine with precision and focus, all while maintaining a mostly deadpan expression that added a layer of dry, almost absurdist humour to the act. It’s not the kind of performance that demands gasps or thunderous applause, but rather invites a quiet appreciation for its offbeat personality and technical control. While the pace and tone may not have captivated every audience member, there was something endearingly odd and uniquely stylised about it. As a mid-show palate cleanser, it did its job well, giving the audience a moment to reset before the next high-energy act. That said, it didn’t quite juggle its way into the spotlight, but it did leave a few people smiling with its unorthodox vibe.

Becky Robins’ handstands and the Cyr Wheel duet by Fiona Thornhill & Thorne Bailey, both featured in The Nose Dive Assembly—one of the headline shows of the ‘Big Puck’ tent—offered an unforgettable finale to the evening. Becky Robins' act was a captivating hand-balancing routine that combined strength, precision, and elegance. The transitions were smooth, the shapes were controlled, and carried the performance with a calm intensity that held the audience’s full attention. Each pose felt like a quiet display of power, and poise gave the act a refined, almost meditative quality.

Following that, Fiona Thornhill and Thorne Bailey delivered a jaw-dropping Cyr Wheel act that pushed the boundaries of what’s typically seen in circus choreography. Their timing was impeccable, and the synchronicity of their movement within the giant spinning wheels was mesmerizing. Just when you thought it had peaked, the central podium rose from the floor, elevating the entire performance—literally and theatrically. This dual-layer staging created a fresh dynamic that added depth and spectacle. A slick, stylish, and utterly original—if you only see one show at The Circus Yard, make it this.

The Circus Yard is an eclectic, exciting, and sometimes eccentric celebration of circus arts. While a few acts could use a bit more polish or punch, the sheer variety and talent on display makes it well worth a visit. Come for the thrills, stay for the sequins, and maybe grab a drink or two—you’ll be clapping, gasping, and giggling all the way through.

📅 Catch it from 2nd May to 1st June at Brighton Fringe. Bring a jacket, and bring your sense of wonder.