Circus Sampler

Celebrating 250 years since Philip and Patty Astley pioneered circus in London in 1768, Somerset House and Somerset House-based creative producers Crying Out Loud present two summer weekends of distinctive contemporary circus, hip hop dance and music.

On the first weekend Far From The Norm stage a new show that combines their signature fast-paced footwork and physical floor-work with Chinese Pole and tight-wire. Union Black is a bold fusion of hip hop dance and circus that draws parallels between the worlds of football and current European politics.

Between shows catch hoola hoop acrobat and twelve times Guinness World Record holder Marawa the Amazing and the Majorettes. Watch them perform their special brand of synchronised hoola hooping and roller skating, or join the Hoola Schoola at the end of the show and learn how to spin a hoop yourself.

Trailblazers Gandini Juggling premiere a special commission, Cascade, over the second weekend accompanied by the rousing sound of brass music played live by Circus Tsuica, a French band of musical acrobats. Performing within the rhythmic rise and fall of the 55 water jets of the courtyard fountains, the 30 jugglers will perform within the constant flow of movement, water and sound to create a mesmerising celebration of skill, beauty and music.

Complementing the action in the courtyard, the East Wing hosts talks and an exhibition that includes a compelling new installation from artist Rose English. Learn about the history of circus, watch short films, and uncover a selection of the pioneers and new thinkers who have transformed the circus field today.