Circus tales

The title “The Great Moscow Circus” is used for a variety of circuses, but it is most commonly used to refer to the two famous circus buildings in Moscow – the Moscow Circus named in honour of Yuri Nikulin and the Bolshoi Circus.

The former was built more than 150 years ago. A beautiful traditional European circus building named after Yuri Nikulin, the legendary Soviet-era clown who starred not only in the centre ring but also in many comedy films in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

The Bolshoi Moscow Circus is the modern circus building situated in the west of Moscow. It is brim-full of technical wonders… one minute a sawdust ring, next ice and then, just minutes later, a gigantic aquatic performing space. But it is the famed Moscow Circus School which prepares graduates for their future in the circus.

At its height, near the end of the communist regime, there were more than 50 permanent circus buildings dotted throughout Russia. These all showcase acts from the Moscow School. Additionally, the Moscow Circus welcomes star international acts.

While much of circus history is steeped in tradition, and these traditions are observed by the “old circus”, there are a few producers who have decided to help circus take the next evolution. This was done by adding extravagant lighting shows, rock ’n roll music and special effects. Stylistically, the Russian circus still differs from its Western counterparts. It is more high-skills based, perhaps less flamboyant, but certainly more action-packed.

The sheer scale of Russia’s commitment to the circus is without peer and it ensures it a unique place in the cultural life of the vast Russian continent.

With its rich traditions, and sustained development over the last 100 years, the Great Moscow Circus with its wealth of talent, has become the yardstick by which circuses worldwide are measured.

Few, if any, have ever measured up.