All the fun of the circus

Children of all ages, including the more mature kind, headed down to the local domain recently as word spread that a circus had rolled into town.

New Zealand owned family company ‘Circus Aotearoa’ attracted large crowds and sold out ringside seats throughout their four weekend shows at Mangawhai Domain, from February 28 to March 1.

Under the Big Top an array of daring, dazzling and comical acts drew gasps, laughter and much applause from the audience, including graceful aerial acrobatics via rope, pole and ribbons, dramatic balancing routines, hilarious clown acts and a peculiar performance depicting an artist being swallowed by a large, purple balloon.

Kickstarting their 2020 tour in their hometown of Raglan, Circus Aotearoa have been travelling north since January, the talented troupe of New Zealand, Australian and European performers entertaining hundreds of crowds in towns along the route before rolling into Mangawhai and moving onto Dargaville and Kaikohe.

Owner and ringmaster Damian Gordon says the circus prides itself in offering an affordable fun family show which is contemporary with traditional circus roots.

“The weekend was great! Fun shows, good crowds and we all loved the beach,” he says. “It is our first time performing in Mangawhai… and we will be back!”

- WORDS/PHOTOS/JULIA WADE