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Daredevils and Divas: A Night at the Circus

A film celebrating the 250th anniversary of the modern circus through a series of spectacular live performances, hosted by charismatic compere Doug Francisco.

2018 marks the 250th anniversary of cavalryman Philip Astley鈥檚 very first circus, a spectacular horse show on the banks of the River Thames.
Legendary showman Astley鈥檚 signature 42-foot circus ring was the perfect size to perform tricks on galloping horses - and it was this innovation that heralded the birth of the modern circus. The circus ring remains the same size to this day.

To celebrate the 250th birthday of modern circus, this film showcases the very best of British circus through a series of lavishly filmed, spectacular live performances, presenting the art form on television as it鈥檚 seldom been seen before.

The stunning cast of performers is drawn from circuses across the UK, ranging from the timeless world of traditional circus Zippos to the next generation of contemporary circus students, who are pushing the art form in new directions at the National Centre for Circus Arts.

Other performers include Britain鈥檚 only fully inclusive circus, Extraordinary Bodies, the world-famous Gandini Jugglers, Tweedy the Clown of Giffords Circus, Britain鈥檚 biggest contemporary circus NoFit State, and two intrepid tightrope walkers from acclaimed circus company Cirque Bijou, attempting the first ever high-wire crossing of the River Wear in Sunderland to the delight of thousands of people lining the banks.

The film also features interviews with the circus performers and intimate behind-the-scenes footage, taking viewers beyond the spectacle to bring this fascinating, almost mythical world to life.

Daredevils and Divas: A Night at the Circus is hosted by the charismatic compere Doug Francisco of the cult circus troupe The Invisible Circus. Doug guides the viewer through the performances with a series of dynamic links, shot in the historic Hippodrome Circus ring in Great Yarmouth.

Daredevils and Divas: A Night at the Circus is a 主播大秀 Studios Production for 主播大秀 Four. It is produced and directed by Matt David. The Executive Producer for 主播大秀 Studios is Phil Dolling. It was commissioned for the 主播大秀 by Lamia Dabboussy.

59 minutes

Last on

Fri 3 Jan 2020 01:35
主播大秀 Four

Clips

See all clips from Daredevils and Divas: A Night at the Circus (3)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:24

    Psapp

    Rear Moth

  • 00:41

    Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

    Dream A Little Dream Of Me

  • 00:44

    Daleduro

    La Poli

  • 00:45

    Kuljit Bhamra

    Tablas Guruve

Credits

Presenter Doug Francisco
Producer Matt David
Executive Producer Phil Dolling

Broadcasts