Russia’s famed circus arrives with brand new spectacular

The legendary circus troupe will be performing a series of shows in the grounds of Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, this week.

The newly devised production, called Babushkin Secret, is inspired by a Russian fable.

The show is set under Soviet rule in 1927 when a group of Bolsheviks try to track down lost family jewellery which has been hidden in a chair forming part of a dining room set.

It will be housed in a specially designed big top to accommodate the complex rigging for the aerial acts, while being supported by only four ‘king’ poles.

The show’s producers have promised a revolving aerial chandelier.

The production also features human pyramids stretching 30ft in the air, and acrobats catapulting themselves across the big top at breakneck speed.

One circus spokesman said: “This show takes us on an incredible journey in the company of the greatest circus performers on earth.

“It features a mammoth cast of Russia’s most talented circus artists, many of which have never performed in Britain, and combines contemporary and classical circus in a way never before witnessed.”

The production runs from tomorrow (weds) until Sunday.