Russell’s International Circus Review: A Fantastic Family Night Out Under the Big Top
Russell’s International Circus Review: By Rachel Ducker
We love taking the children to the circus! From the moment you can spot the big top in the distance, it brings back all the wonderful memories of your own childhood. Stepping inside the tent, sitting down in your seats and waiting for the show to begin creates such wonderful anticipation for a truly special family evening out.
The smell of popcorn and candy, the huge top, the bright lights and the seating waiting to be filled all create the feel of a special and traditional occasion. It is a long-standing and very special form of family entertainment that can be magical when done well.
We recently had the pleasure of returning to see Russell’s International Circus, who were performing in Beccles. It was a brilliant family night out and made for some fantastic childhood memories.
A Brand-New Show for 2026
We went to see Russell’s International Circus last year and really enjoyed it. As a result, we were really keen to go and see this year’s show. Last year’s show had a fantastic ‘Greatest Showman’ style feel to it, but this time it felt completely different.
The Brand-New Show for 2026 from Russell’s International Circus is a two-hour show. A Robin Hood Theme with Plenty of Drama. There was a performance of Aerial Displays, Death Defying Stunts, Hilarious Comedy and so much more.
A Robin Hood Theme with Plenty of Drama
The story of Robin Hood was cleverly woven into parts of the circus show and the children enjoyed following the plot alongside the various circus acts. One of the highlights of the show was the dramatic dragon-slaying scene. The children were captivated by this scene and it added a sense of adventure to the performance.
The fire was another great element to the performance and we got splashed from time to time by the Fireman Alex. The kids found this very funny and added to the whole performance.
Familiar Faces Back in Town
One of the highlights of returning to Russell’s Circus is seeing some of the familiar performers return to the Big Top ring.
The children were excited to see Alex the fireman again, as well as the acrobatics, beautiful dancers, clowns and many other fantastic performers who bring so much energy and personality to the Big Top.
There is something lovely about starting to recognise the performers from year to year. It makes the whole experience feel familiar in the best possible way, almost like an annual family tradition.
Acrobatics, Fire, Comedy and Classic Circus Fun
The show was excellent and incorporated all aspects of a Circus.
The show included some impressive acrobatics, beautiful dancing, comedy sketches, dramatic fire acts and some of the classic circus elements which you just can’t replicate anywhere else.
The children in the audience were thoroughly entertained by the comedy of the clowns, and on several occasions the whole audience was drawn into the performance. The children and adults alike laughed out loud at the unexpected events that happened during the show, which were full of energy, funny moments and acrobatic stunts.
It really captured the essence of what a circus should be.
Why the Children Loved It
The whole experience was so exciting for our children from start to finish.
They had enjoyed walking into the Big Top to see the circus ring, buying their own popcorn in the entrance, sitting in their ringside seats and watching all the families around them. This is an old-school form of entertainment that is still fun for children today.
It is so simple, wholesome and full of joy and sometimes the most simple nights out are the ones you remember the most.
Would We Go Back Again?
Would we go back again next year? Absolutely.
We saw a lot of differences between the two shows. So for that reason we think the show is varied from year to year and not boring.
If Russell’s International Circus is coming to a town near you, then we would strongly advise families to grab tickets and make a night of it. It is a truly fantastic family night out, the classic setting of sitting in the Big Top with a bag of popcorn, eating it all in while children’s faces are lit up in amazement is something that cannot be beat.
Book tickets here: Russell’s International Circus
Upcoming Russell’s International Circus 2026 Tour Dates
From Wednesday 27th May 2026, Russell’s International Circus has the following upcoming venues listed on its tour page.
Lowestoft
Venue: Normanston Park, NR32 2QB
Dates: Wednesday 27th May – Sunday 31st May
Showtimes: Wednesday to Saturday at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday at 12 noon only.
Thetford
Venue: Melford Common, IP24 2ET
Dates: Wednesday 3rd June – Sunday 7th June
Showtimes: Weekdays at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday at 12 noon only.
Stowmarket
Venue: Recreation Ground, Finborough Road, IP14 1PR
Dates: Wednesday 10th June – Sunday 14th June
Showtimes: Weekdays at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday at 12 noon only.
Woodbridge
Venue: Melton Recreation Ground, IP12 1PF
Dates: Wednesday 17th June – Sunday 21st June
Showtimes: Weekdays at 6pm, Saturday at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday at 12 noon only.
Watton
Venue: The Sports Centre, IP25 6EZ
Dates: Wednesday 24th June – Sunday 28th June
Showtimes: Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm, Friday at 5pm and 7.45pm, Saturday at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday at 12 noon only.
Trusthorpe
Venue: Sutton Road, LN12 2PH
Dates: Saturday 18th July – Sunday 30th August
Showtimes: Everyday at 7pm, Wednesdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm.
No shows: 1st, 15th and 29th August. No 3pm show on 26th July and 30th August.
Cleethorpes
Venue: Next to Pennells Garden Centre, Humberston Road, DN36 4RW
Dates: Wednesday 9th September – Sunday 20th September
Showtimes: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm and 7.45pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 6pm, Sunday 13th at 12 noon and 3pm, Sunday 20th at 12 noon only.
No shows: 14th and 15th September.
Things to Know Before You Go
Russell’s Circus notes that the show may include flashing and strobe lighting, laser effects, smoke effects and loud sound effects, so it is worth keeping this in mind when booking for younger children or anyone who may be sensitive to those elements.
Tickets can be booked online via the Russell’s International Circus website, and the circus also lists a booking phone number of 07752 218 805.
