Gerry Cottle’s Wow Circus at Preston Park Brighton Review

Reviewed by Louise Watts

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon yesterday (31 May 2017) when myself, my 3-year-old son and my 17-year-old daughter went to Preston Park to watch Gerry Cottle’s Wow Circus. Despite driving past this circus numerous times, I had not attended a circus since I was a young child.

I did not really have any idea what to expect. Gone are the days of having animals at the circus and traditional clowns seem more of a Halloween presence than a circus act now, so my question to myself was “What happens in the modern-day circus production?”

We arrived early as I was unsure how easy it would be to park locally. I needn’t have worried as I managed to easily find a space on a residential street about a 5-minute walk from the circus. As we were early, we took the opportunity to get a drink from the refreshments tent prior to taking our seats. There was various food and drinks available including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn and candyfloss as well as soft drinks, all reasonably priced.

Gerry Cottle has over 50 years’ experience in the circus and he has used this to create a modern-day family show where he markets the circus as having 50 amazing acts in 100 minutes! I couldn’t wait to see how this is possible.

The big top was great and easy to find a good seat with the theatre styled tiered seating. The first half lasted approximately an hour and was jam packed with some of the most incredible acrobatics I have ever seen! There was also some unexplainable magic. As an adult, I was looking for the answer as to how they did it but despite wracking my brain hard, I just couldn’t find it. My favourite acts in the first half had to be The Tanzanian Tornadoes – 4 absolutely breath-taking acrobats who clearly had complete trust in each other to be able to perform as they did, The Sky High Motorbike – a motorbike being ridden on a high rope with a lady hanging below on a frame doing acrobatics. I was gobsmacked when they eventually did a complete 360 degree turn and finally the man and lady who somehow manages to magically change outfits a record number of times in a couple of minutes… how? I have no idea!

During the interval, there was the opportunity to purchase some raffle tickets to win a cuddly toy. The tickets were priced well and it was a nice touch to be able to win a prize. Refreshments were available during the interval and there were toilet facilities on site should you have needed them.

The second half was a little shorter in length but certainly did not lack any substance. In between the acts as things were being set up for the following act, the modern-day clowns entertained us. They were very funny in true child humour fashion and the kids absolutely loved the audience being sprayed with water from the clowns umbrella and them trying to imitate some of the more complex acts. Traditionally, it has always been the man being the magician and the lady playing the glamorous assistant. It was nice to see this role reversed and watch the man lying down and having knives placed through his box by the ladies. How they did some of these magic tricks I really don’t know but they were an absolute delight to watch and will leave my brain ticking over wondering how for a good while. My favourite act of this half was without a doubt the high rope acrobat. I felt sick in my stomach watching him swinging high up in the big top knowing that at some point he was going to end up swinging by his feet… and that is exactly what he did. The physical strength of all the performers today was obvious and the trust they all place in each other as far as their own safety is concerned is remarkable. Although I have highlighted my personal favourite acts, all the performers were incredible and delivered a fun packed, adrenaline fuelled show which we all thoroughly enjoyed. I would have no hesitation in recommending this circus to anyone with kids (or without) who wants to see some true talent live. An absolutely outstanding family show.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £10 to £28 (booking fees may apply).

Gerry Cottle’s Wow Circus is at Preston Park in Brighton from 17 May to 4 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.wowcircus.co.uk, ticketmaster or call the box office on 0845 835 50 50.

Preston Park, Preston Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6AG