May 28, 2018

Top circus performers from around the world thrilled the fans as they packed into the Jolly Roger on Clacton Pier over the weekend.

Circus Fantasia is presenting a whole new line-up of exciting and spectacular acts through until June 3.

It is the second year that they have put on the Clacton Pier Circus and it is proving just as popular with all ages.

With two shows daily – 2pm and 4.15pm – the action comes fast and furious and there is hardly time to draw breath.

Two of the major highlights are the Garcias from Spain with their amazing magic, mystery and illusion as well as the Mexican Marco Polo on the high wire. The 61-year-old has been performing in the roof above the audience since the age of 11 and has no safety devices.

Miss Reka from the Hungarian State Circus is on the silks with the UK’s own Miss Ellen another star of the show. Foot juggler Miss Romy, also from the UK, Mexican Raul Rodriquez on the trampoline and Miss Kelly from Spain on the aerial spiral complete with line-up.

Clown Lord Sawdust (who has changed his name from Clown Phillipo last time around) is the gel that sticks the whole programme together and his non-stop slapstick and humour provides a bucket full of laughs.

There are no animals involved in the Clacton Pier circus.

Matthew Wingate, owner of Circus Fantasia which is based in London and appears all over East Anglia, said he delighted that the show has been so well received again this season.

“We have got off to a flying start and everyone is having a great time back in Clacton,” he said. “The intimacy and historical setting of the Jolly Roger provides the ideal venue.”

The Jolly Roger was built in 1881 and was the very first entertainment building in the town.

It was home to a circus in the 1980s for one season but up until last year had been used for storage purposes before being brought back to life.

There is seating available for about 300 people for each 90 minute performance, which includes a ten minute interval, and tickets at £7 are available from the Pier and online at www.clactonpier.co.uk

The circus will be returning later in the year for the whole school summer holidays.