Lisa Dennis
Excitement is building for this weekend’s inaugural Circus Mania Festival as the ‘May Wirth’ Big Top was erected in Castlemaine last week.
Circus Mania organisers and local circus performers, Caz Walsh and Mason West of Red Canvas Productions, have been working hard behind the scenes for months and are delighted to finally see the event coming together.
“Our Suitcase Circus troupe began rehearsals under the big top and at the Castlemaine Circus facility at The Goods Shed on Monday and international adult circus ‘Rogue’ have been here for a week doing creative development at Castlemaine Circus,” Caz said.
“They have also been generously sharing their skills through masterclasses with both Castlemaine Circus trainers and students,” she said.
Circus Mania opens this Thursday evening and runs through until Sunday and will feature three incredible shows:
– The adventure filled and educational ‘Big Tops and Tiny Tots’ aimed at youngsters aged three to seven years.
– An all ages ‘Suitcase Circus’, set in the glory days of the past, full of awe-inspiring, gasp-worthy tricks from a mesmerising cast of world-class performers.
– And ’Rouge’ circus for grown ups (MA15+), which is a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and twisted burlesque.
There will also be a host of other entertainment and activities across the four days of the event.
“We will have a pop-up garden bar with offerings from locals Shedshaker Brewing, live music on Thursday and Friday featuring blues talent Jarrod Shaw, food trucks and of course circus staples such as popcorn and fairy floss,” Caz said.
“If you’ve ever dreamed about running away to join the circus, on Saturday and Sunday you can also try your hand at our circus skills sessions with the team from Castlemaine Circus.”
Some of the young Castlemaine Circus performers are also set to feature in the festival.
“Each day as part of Suitcase Circus there will be one performance from the aerial teams at Castlemaine Circus featuring local performers aged 16-18. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their skills under the bright lights of the big top,” Caz said.
Tickets for all shows are selling fast with just 20 tickets remaining for Sunday’s Suitcase Circus and tickets for ‘Rouge’ quickly being snapped up.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the response to the event and we can’t wait to share this incredible festival with our community,” Caz said.
For tickets visit circusmania.com.au