An introduction to Circa

Since 2004, Circa have established a reputation for pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus one genre-blending show at a time.

Whether performing in their hometown of Brisbane or in countries around the world, the Australian circus company captivate audiences with their thoughtful storytelling and daredevil acrobatics.

This winter, Circa bring Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show to the UK – the home of their collaborators Aardman.

Read on to find out more about Circa and the thrilling history of circus from the eighteenth century to the present day.

A brief history of the traditional circus 

The circus has existed as a popular form of entertainment for over 250 years.

Born in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in 1742, Philip Astley is widely credited as the ‘father of the modern circus’ for performing tricks on horseback in a ring. However, it was his rival Charles Hughes who built the first structure and coined the term ‘circus’ in 1782. The circus tent was an American invention and did not arrive in the UK until 1840.

The traditional circus thrived throughout the Victorian period before falling out of fashion in the early twentieth century due to high costs, increased awareness of animal cruelty and the rise of other forms of entertainment.

Traditional circus vs. contemporary circus

Contemporary circus soon emerged as a distinct art form, popularised by companies such as Cirque du Soleil – founded by street performers Gilles Ste-Croix and Guy Laliberte in Quebec 1984. But what’s the difference?

Contemporary circus merges traditional circus with theatre and dance, favouring a narrative approach that ties acts and tricks together. There is a notable absence of animals; instead, contemporary circus focuses on human artistry, movement and extreme physicality. Gone are the days of lions and tigers – unless it’s human acrobats mimicking animal instincts!

Where do Circa fit in?

Circa do all this and more – pushing the limits of the art form and the human body.

The company is directed by Yaron Lifschitz, who has worked across events, opera, theatre and circus. This multi-disciplinary approach informs Circa’s varied output – from adaptations of classic operas such as Orpheus and Eurydice to acrobatics set to the music of Arvo Pärt! In 2020, the company took on the world’s first acrobatic staging of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

Wolves, Ducks, Swans… 

Recently, Circa have been making headlines with WOLF, which explores the animal as a ‘a symbol of our untameable selves’. The show features a pulsating techno soundtrack – a far cry from traditional fanfare music!

The company are also touring DUCK POND, blending ballet and circus to reimagine Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling. 

In both shows, acrobats take on animal forms and roles, reflecting the evolving relationship between animals and the circus.

… and Shaun the Sheep! 

Now Circa have teamed up with much-loved animation studio Aardman for Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show. Circa spent two years immersing themselves in the wonderful world of Shaun the Sheep before the show’s premiere in Australia in 2021.

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show fuses the aesthetics of Aardman and Circa to create a new animated interpretation of Mossy Bottom Farm. Expect Aardman’s signature humour plus all the familiar faces – Shaun, Bitzer and The Flock – with a gravity-defying twist!

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show runs at Aviva Studios from 11 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Find out more about the show and book tickets here.