The Show

Come one, come all to spectacular new musical Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror. Under the twinkling stars of the big top, sensational circus, powerful magic and electrifying music combine to tell a poignant story of courage, resistance and love.

It’s 1933 Brandenburg and the Nazis are burning books and suspending civil rights. Many are desperate to escape, but for Waldo and his travelling circus of outcasts, acrobats and aerialists, ‘the show must go on’.

As Hitler’s dictatorship strengthens and oppression grows, the daring humanity and courage of this circus troupe stay hidden beneath the painted-on glamour of Waldo’s big top. Love, loyalty and risk-taking balance on the tightwire as the world outside becomes darker and more dangerous.

This spectacular new circus theatre musical is informed by historical research and the experiences of real performers. It is based on an original idea by Hattie Naylor (Ivan and the Dogs, The Night Watch) and co-written with Jamie Beddard (Messiah, The Elephant Man) with an original score by Charles Hazlewood (Paraorchestra).

Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror is a large-scale collaboration between D/deaf, disabled, and non-disabled artists and creators and tours nationally in 2023.

All performances are chilled, BSL interpreted, captioned and audio described.

Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror is presented by Extraordinary Bodies and co-produced with Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Age Guidance 12+