Brighton Fringe 2025 kicked off in spectacular style with a thrilling Gala Night hosted by the Revel Puck Circus, officially launching The Circus Yard—a brand-new circus site that transforms Brighton’s The Level into a vibrant and inclusive hub of high-flying entertainment. We were lucky enough to attend the exclusive opening night on 1 May, and what we witnessed was a mesmerising and enchanting display of circus artistry.
East London-based Revel Puck Circus—renowned for their innovative, community-driven productions—have elevated their craft with their latest venture, transforming The Level, a historic green space in central Brighton, into a vibrant hub of creativity and performance. The Circus Yard boasts not one but two Big Top tents—Big Puck and Little Puck—alongside PucksBar, a covered bar area, and a packed schedule featuring more than 30 circus and cabaret performances throughout the month.
The Gala Night acted as a taster of what’s to come, expertly hosted by the charismatic and chaotic Nancy—brought to life with infectious energy by circus artist Arielle Lauzon—a central character from The Ruckus, one of the three in-house productions debuting this season. With a whirlwind of talent and energy, Nancy guided the audience through a lively showcase that highlighted the diversity, creativity, and boundary-pushing spirit that defines this year’s circus season.
Nancy wasn’t just a host—she was the beating heart of the night. With a wardrobe that blended high-fashion couture with bold circus flair and unforgettable flare-style pieces (dramatic sleeves and statement trousers), she even brought out a fancy, fabulous flamingo, adding an extra layer of theatrical charm to her already dazzling presence. Her infectious energy had the audience cheering, clapping, and roaring with laughter between acts, creating a seamless thread of excitement throughout the show. Nancy even stepped beyond the spotlight as host to join in on a performance or two, proving she’s not just the face of the night, but a formidable talent in her own right.
The Gala Night’s lineup was a whirlwind of variety, talent, and flair, offering a preview of the magic that this year’s circus season promises. The show opened with a brilliant audience-participation performance of InThisTogether by OneTwoMany Collective, supported by Crying Out Loud, setting an inviting tone. Around ten audience members were invited into the ring, each handed a torch to track the two performers as they danced, tumbled, and defied gravity. The audience had to keep the torches trained on them as they moved, resulting in some wonderfully comedic moments and impressive acrobatics that instantly warmed up the crowd and set the tone for the night.
Equally unforgettable was the mesmerising Cyr Wheel performance by Fiona Thornhill and Thorne Bailey from The Nose Dive Assembly. This showstopping finale was easily the best act of the evening. With dazzling lighting design enhancing every spin, the performance unfolded with one Cyr Wheel artist elevated on a raised platform while the other performed on the circus tent floor below. The lighting shifted between the two, directing the audience’s attention in a seamless visual rhythm that made for a breathtaking, cinematic experience.
The Neon Sun Roller Circus by Loominous Productions delivered a high-energy flair with a dazzling roller-skating hula hoop act. The performer, KiKi LaHula, sped around the ring with ease, showing off impressive skating tricks before adding light-up LED hula hoops into the mix—culminating in a captivating finale with a massive stack of hoops that drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Another highlight was an aerial trio from the Scratch That Cabaret (National Centre for Circus Arts students). This piece combined swinging trapeze, duo aerial circus, and acrobatic storytelling to deliver a funny and empowering narrative centred on trust and self-confidence. The chemistry between the performers and their impeccable comedic timing made it both touching and entertaining.
Lucinda B. Hind’s burlesque performance She’s B.Hind You was a cheeky, glamorous delight. Set to Shirley Bassey’s “Big Spender”, the act blended classic drag comedy with sensual burlesque flair, serving up bold queer energy with every shimmy and strut.
Australian juggler Maggie Rusak, part of Compagnie Moon Cafe’s Behemoth show, wowed the audience with her unique style of juggling. Recognised as one of the top 10 jugglers in the world, her performance fused precision skill with dramatic flair, delivering talented anxious-inducing juggling artistry with a magnetic stage presence.
Also memorable was The Greatest Show on Earth, where a duo in singular LED-lit shoes each performed choreographed routines inside human-sized circus tents. The creative concept and visual execution made it a surreal, festival-like moment.
Several other acts added to the night’s electric atmosphere, including a polished drag burlesque acrobatic number from United Queendom. Among the more unusual performances was a striking climb-in-balloon act, combining choreography and inflatables in a way that left a lasting impression.
With such a diverse, high-energy mix, the Gala Night more than delivered as a showcase. It teased the incredible variety of talent Brighton Fringe and Revel Puck Circus have brought together—and it certainly left the crowd wanting more.
While the evening served as an eclectic sneak peek, it also captured the heart of what Revel Puck Circus stands for: accessibility, diversity, and joy. This wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of circus arts in all their evolving forms. The acts felt fresh, fearless, and inclusive, making it clear that Revel Puck Circus isn’t just about spectacle—they’re about creating spaces that reflect the vibrancy and variety of the communities they perform in.
The Circus Yard itself is an impressive setup. The Big Puck tent can seat up to 500 guests, making it the perfect home for larger-scale productions like The Nose Dive Assembly, which promises a family-friendly spectacle with high-wire walkers and the only female Wheel of Death duo in the UK. Meanwhile, the more intimate Little Puck tent will host shows like The Ruckus, a chaotic circus party filled with punk spirit and aerial thrills, and The Ugly Duckling: A Circus Story, a playful reimagining of the classic tale that encourages young audiences to embrace self-acceptance.
Adding to the site’s festival charm is PucksBar, an open public space where visitors can relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere—even without a ticket. Combined with street food vendors and welcoming communal areas, the venue delivers a true festival vibe, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with the circus in new and exciting ways.
Revel Puck Circus are clearly setting a new standard for contemporary circus at Brighton Fringe. Their boldness, physical artistry, and commitment to community have already left a strong impression and, if the Gala Night is anything to go by, audiences are in for a treat throughout the month. Whether you’re after family-friendly fun or provocative late-night cabaret, The Circus Yard offers it all—with creativity, heart, and an infectious sense of fun.
Brighton Fringe runs until 1 June 2025, and with 32 shows scheduled at The Circus Yard, there’s no shortage of reasons to join the revelry. You can buy tickets to any of the shows right now, by clicking here!