It’s 1933 Brandenburg and the Nazis are burning books and suspending civil rights. Many are desperate to escape, but for Waldo and his travelling circus of outcasts, acrobats and aerialists, ‘the show must go on’.

As Hitler’s dictatorship strengthens and oppression grows, the daring humanity and courage of this circus troupe stay hidden beneath the painted-on glamour of Waldo’s big top. Love, loyalty and risk-taking balance on the tightwire as the world outside becomes darker and more dangerous.

This spectacular new circus theatre musical is informed by historical research and the experiences of real performers. It is written by Hattie Naylor (Ivan and the Dogs, The Night Watch) and Jamie Beddard (Messiah, The Elephant Man) with an original score by Charles Hazlewood (Paraorchestra).

Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror is a large-scale collaboration between D/deaf, disabled, and non-disabled artists and creators and tours nationally in 2023.

All performances are chilled, BSL interpreted, captioned and audio described.

Presented by Extraordinary Bodies. Co-produced with Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Extraordinary Bodies is a collaboration between Diverse City and Cirque Bijou.

Written by Hattie Naylor & Jamie Beddard
Based on an original idea by Hattie Naylor
Music by Charles Hazlewood