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What *really* goes into planning a truly spectacular circus show – as told by Russels International Circus

We chat with General Manager and Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning Russells International Circus.

Russels International Circus

What really goes into planning a truly spectacular circus show – as told by Russels International Circus

There’s something endlessly fascinating about circuses. Shrouded in an air of mystery, it seems these spectacular shows simply appear out of nowhere – deftly blending the intriguing, the spectacular, the haunting and the hilarious. Steeped in history and a true celebration of human artistry, a great circus event promises an experience like no other, leaving participants with a sense of wonderment that’s hard to achieve in today’s hectic world.

So, what exactly does go into organising such a feat of skill, entertainment, and apparent magic? We were recently lucky enough to find out, via a very interesting chat with Alex Morley – the General Manager and Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning Russells International Circus. In this client spotlight, Alex takes us on a journey through the planning stages of their internationally renowned show, shedding light on the inner workings of one of the UK’s best-regarded circuses.

It’s an “arduous but rewarding journey”, Alex tells us. One spans the globe (the circus’s founders, Rusty and Amanda Russell, travel around the world seeking inspiration and acts), and sees months of dedication, passion and creativity culminate in a truly breathtaking spectacle. 

This is a really fascinating read – well worth grabbing a cuppa and taking five for 💫.

Russels International Circus 3

✅  Key takeaways

💫 The creative process of planning a spectacular event on such a scale requires painstaking planning and decision-making. From selecting the perfect costumes to curating an incredible soundtrack for every act – the magic of Russells International Circus lies in its teams’ meticulous attention to detail.

⚙️ Rehearsals and refinement are key – it’s only through constant feedback, adjustments, and fine-tuning that the circus is able to achieve such spectacular results.

🎟️ Donating tickets to charities can be an amazing way to give back to your local community, as it means those who would otherwise be unable to attend your event can do so without barrier ❤️. You can seek sponsorship from local businesses to help cover some of the costs.

Russells International Circus sounds and looks epic 🙌. Give our readers a snapshot into what your events are all about: 

Russells International Circus is back this year with a brand new show for 2024. The breathtaking two-hour performance is jam-packed with mesmerising aerial displays, jaw-dropping stunts, world-class comedy and much, much more. This year's show also features our brand new Amazon Jungle Adventure production starring an appearance from the Mighty Kong.

Sounds awesome. Now take us back to the beginning – how did Russells International Circus first come about?

Russells International Circus, founded and run by Rusty and Amanda Russell, has a rich history in the United Kingdom. Over the years, this renowned circus has captivated audiences with its spectacular performances and unforgettable experiences. 

It all began back in 2005, when Rusty Russell, a circus performer himself, decided to create his own circus. With the support of his wife, Amanda, the couple embarked on a journey to bring the magic of the Big Top to audiences across the country and eventually the world! 

As their circus grew in popularity and size, Rusty and Amanda Russell continued to innovate and improve their shows. They introduced thrilling acts, mesmerising acrobatics, and captivating performances that left audiences in awe. Their commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment became the hallmark of Russells International Circus.

Now, a new generation is making its mark in the circus world. William, Rusty and Amanda’s son, has taken up the mantle as Wilbo, the youngest clown in Great Britain. Following in his father's footsteps, William brings laughter and joy to audiences with his playful and endearing performances.

We can imagine it’s no mean feat to put together such incredible shows. Tell us a bit about your process:

The creative process of putting together a new production of Russells International Circus is an intricate and fascinating journey. It involves the tireless efforts of Rusty and Amanda Russell as they travel the world, visiting various circuses, scouting acts, and booking them for their show. This process culminates in a collaboration with me, as the Creative Director of the circus. I help to transform Rusty and Amanda’s ideas into a spectacular performance. Let's delve into the stages of this creative journey, from initial inspiration to the arrival of the highly anticipated performance: 

Act 1: Exploring the Circus World 

Rusty and Amanda Russell embark on a globe-trotting adventure, visiting different circuses across the world. They immerse themselves in the vibrant circus scene, witnessing awe-inspiring acts and scouting performers who possess exceptional talent. This journey allows them to curate a diverse and captivating lineup for their show, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the audience. 

Act 2: Collaboration and Conceptualisation 

Upon their return, myself, Rusty and Amanda come together so I can learn all about their experiences and discuss their vision for the new production. This collaborative exchange sparks a flurry of creative ideas, as we brainstorm concepts, themes, and ideas that will form the backbone of the show. Together, we aim to create a production that pushes the boundaries of circus entertainment while captivating audiences of all ages. 

Act 3: Bringing Ideas to Life 

With the main concepts in place, I then take the lead in transforming these ideas into a tangible show. This involves meticulous planning and decision-making. Our team focuses on selecting the perfect costumes that not only enhance the performers' skills but also add visual flair to each act. We also need to carefully choose music that complements the atmosphere and emotions of the performance, ensuring a seamless integration of sound and movement. Additionally, programming lights plays a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance and highlighting the awe-inspiring moments throughout the show. 

Act 4: Rehearsals and Refinement 

As the performance draws near, rehearsals begin. Under my guidance, the performers bring their skills to the forefront, refining their acts and synchronising their movements. This phase involves constant feedback, adjustments, and fine-tuning to ensure that each act shines and seamlessly flows into the next. Rehearsals are a time of collaboration, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. 

Finale: A Spectacular Performance 

After months of hard work, the highly anticipated performance finally arrives. The Big Top opens, and the audience is transported into a world of wonder, excitement, and awe. The culmination of the creative journey is a breathtaking spectacle that showcases the skills, artistry, and dedication of the performers. The audience is left mesmerised, their hearts filled with joy and amazement. 

The creative process of putting together a new production of Russells International Circus is an arduous but rewarding journey. Every step of the process is driven by passion, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a truly remarkable show. It’s through this meticulous and dedicated effort that Russells International Circus continues to captivate audiences worldwide, bringing the magic of the circus to life!

Thanks so much for sharing that with us! How does it feel to have won so many awards? 😎

Obviously winning these awards is very rewarding as they’re all voted for by public! So it means a lot to know that what we do is being recognised and also rewarded. 

Do you have any advice for any budding event planners looking to start a similar event?

Be prepared for lots of hard work and to accept that sometimes not everything will go to plan. Learn from your mistakes and always strive to do it better next time. 

Your Community Outreach Programme is commendable – what motivated you to start this?

This was started mainly as we found that there were so many people unable to visit the circus for various reasons. Whether it was financial or other circumstances we didn't think it was right for people to miss out. So each week we donate masses of tickets to charities such as food banks to distribute to their users. We try to gain some sponsorship for these tickets from local businesses in the towns we visit, in exchange for advertising and exposure on our social media channels. 

Now let’s talk ticketing – why did you choose Ticket Tailor as your ticketing partner? Have any features been particularly useful?

We simply found that Ticket Tailor offered everything we needed, and loved how easy it was to set up and use. 

I particularly like the Override feature, which makes it very easy for us to quickly set different prices for different ticketing days. It only takes a few clicks. For example, we need to be able to quickly set different prices for our Special Offer days. 

Also, the Ticket Grouping feature makes it really easy for me to split tickets into different prices. We regularly use the Discount Codes feature as well, which allows us to create various codes that align with our different forms of advertising. This helps us to measure which types of advertising have been most successful for us.

That’s great to hear. Finally, what does the future hold for Russells International Circus? 

BIGGER AND BETTER! As long as we continue to entertain the public to the high standard we have already set – then the only way is up! 

Awesome 🙌. Best of luck with 2024’s shows – if this inspiring interview is anything to go by, we’re sure they’ll be very well received!

🎪 You can grab your tickets for Russells International Circus here.

🎟️ Looking for a ticketing platform that’s packed with time-saving features, and way cheaper than other leading platforms? 😌Find out more about Ticket Tailor > 

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