Chinese State Circus

The Chinese State Circus has a characteristically quiet charm. The level of skill is so phenomenally high that any razzamatazz gloss is redundant. These distinctively Chinese performance arts are thousands of years old yet they still retain the capacity to entertain in this third millennium. The creator and producer of the Chinese State Circus, Phillip Gandey constantly brings forth new ideas in the art of circus and physical theatre. The Chinese State Circus is internationally recognised as the benchmark for acrobatic achievement and innovation. They not only develop and reform the art itself, but also draw on the experience and elements of other disciplines. Sport has close connections with acrobatics and circus. Most of the basic techniques of the Chinese acrobatics originate from jumping, summersaults and balancing.

"The most exhilarating Circus it has ever been my privilege to see"
The Evening Standard

Featuring Swinging Poles, Spinning Plates, Hats Off!, Contortion, The Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors, Boy on a Bicycle With 8 Girls, The Two Monkeys, Sensual Silks and Hoop Diving.

Chinese State Circus 2009 Christmas and 2010 New Year Tour

• London - Blackheath Common - Wed 16 to Sat 26 December 2009
• Leeds - Grand Theatre - Mon 28 December 2009 to Sun 3 January 2010
• Gateshead - The Sage - Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 January 2010
• Blackburn - King George's Hall - Sunday 10 to Tuesday 12 January 2010
• Carlisle - The Sands Centre - Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 January 2010
• Glasgow - The King's Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN
  Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24 January 2010
  Tickets: 0844 871 7648
• Salford - The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ
  Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 January 2010
  Tickets: 0844 847 1722

"Fantastic show, loved by Circus lovers but equally loved by people who don't like Circuses, 9 1/2 out of 10 truly sensational"
The Liverpool Echo

Ever since the first Emperor of China, Quin Shi Huang, held a ceremony on the summit to proclaim the unity of his empire two thousand years ago, Mount Tai has attracted poets, writers, scholars, politicians and warriors - each in search of tranquility, enlightenment and personal fulfillment. It is now one of the principal tourist areas where visitors can enjoy a kaleidoscope of natural scenery and historical remains.

Chinese State Circus 2009 Tour UK
Bournemouth Poolo - Branksome Recreation Ground - 20 to 31 August 2009
Weymouth - Lodmoor Country Park - 2 to 6 September 2009
Plymouth - Central Park - 10 to 20 September 2009
Taunton - Vivary Park - 23 to 27 September 2009
Bath - Royal Victoria Park - 30 September to 4 October 2009
Luton - Stockwood Park - 7 to 11 October 2009
Coventry - Hearsall Common - 14 to 18 October 2009
Leicester - Victoria Park - 20 to 25 October 2009
Rochester - Jackson Recreation Ground - 28 October to 1 November 2009

In Tai An City, the Acrobatic Troupe has developed and flourished. Since China was opened to the world, the troupe has become very active and competitive both in China and abroad. For two years its artistes have been attracting wide acclaim from domestic and foreign audiences in Shanghai. The troupe has also toured many countries including USA, Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Japan, Korea and Singapore. Their success lies in blending the purest tradition of the Chinese acrobatics with startling and creative innovation. You will be amazed, thrilled and delighted by 'Swinging Poles', 'Hula-Hula' and '8 Girls and 1 Boy on a Bike' appearing for the first time in the UK. 'Diablos', 'Spinning Plates' and 'Hoop Diving' are taken to new heights of artistic and physical realisation. And the Chinese State Circus would not be complete without that most traditional of complex ensemble acrobatic disciplines - The Lion Dance.