For people with more money than sense (Big Kid Circus)

Member Name: Jim Walker

Product:	Big Kid Circus
Date:	26/04/09 (184 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely tent

Disadvantages: lighting, public safety.

My wife and I had the misfortune to spend over £20 visiting the Big Kid Circus when it came to Hereford. The whole show reeks of cheap production values. The lighting was so poor before the show, that finding a seat when entering from outside, was a safety hazard. I don`t know know why the Health and Safety people allow the show to function. I cracked my right shin on a high step that couldn`t be seen in the gloom.

Only two acts shown on this website, actually performed. The clown was about as funny as an ingrowing toenail and hadn`t even bothered to put on anything other that light lip makeup and apart from clown boots, didn`t look the part. An ordinary white `T` shirt and lightly spangled jogging bottoms, can hardly be called a clown outfit.

The lighting during show itself, was also poor. The acts worked in gloom and it is difficult to appreciate what you struggle to see. The spotlight that should have been too bright to look at directly, was actually brown when looking directly at the front lens. If the power output of the single generator is too low, they should get one with a higher output and then it can run decent lighting.

The gents toilet in the trailer outside, stank of stale urine. The stainless steel urinal was actually rusty with holes in it. The inside of the toilet trailer hadn`t been cleaned or painted for a long time. This was another Health and Safety issue.

The `ring` consisted of square panels of loosely laid plywood and was square rather than circular. The ringmaster looked more like a ringboy than a figure of authority and sounded bored.

If anyone is used to Chipperfields, Billy Smarts, or Fossetts tented shows and expects a similar experience, I would suggest they keep their money in their pockets. I would further suggest that they take a torch and empty their bladders at home, if they really must waste money to see a poor show. My wife and I left before the end, because we`d seem and heard enough. We have seen many circuses over the years, and this was easily the worst. The outside of the tent looks impressive though.

Jim Walker (Lancashire)

Summary: Blackpool Tower Circus it aint.