Space for circus

For many people, the word ‘circus’ conjurs up images of ring-masters, lion tamers, red-nosed clowns, trapeze artists and red-and-white striped tents. But traditional circus has been progressing over the past few decades into a more contemporary artform based on performers – minus the animals – reflected in the work of international companies like Cirque de Soleil and Circus Oz. But Britain still seems to be lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to establishing a major national contemporary circus group or garnerning support from government. For now, hope lies with training institutions like The Circus Space, which offers the UK’s only degree course in circus.