If you are still looking for family-friendly entertainment to delight all ages this Christmas the search is over. Circus 1903 adds some neat twists to the thrills of traditional circus and as it is in a theatre rather than a big top you do not have to worry about the tent blowing away mid-juggle.
Alongside fun mock-Edwardian carny-style showmanship there are breathtaking skills on display, from The Great Rokardy’s vertiginous hand-balancing to the sensual aerial acrobatics of The Flying Fredonis. The self-explanatory “Elastic Dislocationist” gives a whole new meaning to “making ends meet”.
It is a test of a show like this that a stunt you’ve enjoyed before still makes you gasp. The Magnificent Marvellos made this seen-it-all cynic and everybody else hold their breath with their Wheel of Death routine, somersaulting on top of two giant spinning hamster wheels.
Further treats include life-sized puppet elephants from the team behind War Horse adding “cute” to the wow factor, and lucky children getting to go onstage for magic performed by wonderfully wry ringmaster Willy Whipsnade. You don’t have to run away to join the circus this Christmas, just stroll down to the Southbank.
Until January 5 (020 3879 9555, southbankcentre.co.uk)
