Festive production in St Leonards inspired by legendary circus troupe

A new prodcution provides the sparkle and magic of the circus without the big top.
The set of The House of Circus, a series of magical rooms in the promenade performanceThe set of The House of Circus, a series of magical rooms in the promenade performance
The set of The House of Circus, a series of magical rooms in the promenade performance

In 1971, the famous Billy Smart Circus rolled into Hastings, Bexhill and Glyne Gap for the final time, delighting local audiences. Just under half a century later, Billy’s great grandson visual artist Gregory Smart bought a St Leonards flat and walked more quietly into town with his red spotted handkerchief. He set his stick down and unwrapped an archive of circus photos and family stories.

This treasure trove inspires experiential theatre company ExploreTheArch’s magical new show The House of Circus.

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This festive production, runs from December 21 to January 1 in the company’s St Leonards’ venue Archer Lodge. Visit explorethearch.com/circus for details of the venue and the matinee and evening performances, or but tickets from The Bookkeeper Bookshop in Kings Road, St Leonards, and Printed Matter Bookshop, Queens Road Hastings.