Paulos Circus at Dart’s Farm (by Amelie Foster)

Last week our Indie contributor Amelie Foster took her fab family to Paulos Circus at Dart’s Farm and here’s what she thought of it.. (all pics are by hubby Paul from brilliant Tempo Media).

 

As a family with two young children I sometimes feel like my life is a circus , I have an acrobat (a child who spends her time hanging upside-down, or swinging, or generally attempting death defying tricks to scare me). A clown , a 3 year old with tumble down trousers who makes silly faces and noises for the amusement of anyone or anything near. A strong man (aka Daddy) who can open stupidly tight jars or lift both children by one ankle. And as for me, well I guess I’m the ringmaster holding this crazy family circus together.

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media for Exploring Exeter

pic by Paul Foster of Tempo Media

So an opportunity to visit a real circus? To be entertained and see real life Britain’s Got Talentesque (very popular telly choice of most families) was a definite yes.

Paulos Circus are touring again with the ‘Here Today Tour’ for 2017 with new acts and faces never seen before. 

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media for Exploring Exeter

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media

Paulos circus have been around for a staggering 201 years! Madam Clara Paulo was one of the first few women to ever own a circus in Britain – now that really is girl power . Madame clara paulo built up the family circus and it prospered throughout the war years , taking morale boosting entertainment around the country. 

Perhaps that is why in 2017 and after months of some heavy news a trip to see Paulos this summer will boost your morale , will get all the family smiling , ‘wow’ing and ‘OOO’ing and laughing.

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media for Exploring Exeter

pic by Paul Foster of Tempo Media

The atmosphere is amplified by spectacular lighting and music, and thats just the intro! A charismatic ringmaster introduces the acts the first being acrobatic duo . Now I don’t think I would trust my other half to catch me mid air, these guys make it look effortless and pull off breathtaking acrobatic stunts with such coolness and composure and all in super sparkly spandex.

Mr N the circus clown provides the kids and adults too with pure old school clown hilarity. There’s such a nostalgic feel about the Paulos clown; his look, his jokes. He doesn’t have to try to raise a smile and a laugh from the whole family.

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media for Exploring Exeter

pic of by Paul Foster of Tempo Media

Further acrobatics ,with costumes that make the inner 12 year old girl hidden inside me squeal with delight — the spandex, the animal print, the sparkles are breathtaking and have the kids and adults alike whooping alike.

There is further laughs from Mr N and Circus silly man — who created some brilliant audience participation opportunities – yes be prepared you may get wet (only a little bit).

The final act had been peeking through my eyes (well I am a mother that makes me a nervous wreck) but I won’t spoil it for you.

What’s lovely about Paulos is its authenticity, you can feel its history. There’s a true feeling of team, a ‘family’ of performers with an abundance of talent, charisma and wow factor coming together to entertain your family! 

pic of Paulos Circus by Paul Foster of Tempo Media for Exploring Exeter

pic by Paul Foster of Tempo Media

Paulos is at Darts Farm, Topsham Exeter until 9th July 

Thursdays and Fridays 5pm and 7.15pm

Weekends 2pm and 4.30pm (Sunday 9 th July 2pm only)

For bookings call 0702 112 5454 or visit the box office on site before the performance.

*Disclaimer: Exploring Exeter received two free tickets to the circus in exchange for a review, opinions are all Amelies!

 

About the author: Hailing from Brighton originally, Amelie Foster grew up in Exeter and embraces the city life especially it’s indie culture. Amelie worked as a youth worker and currently runs a help group for Mums who have suffered PND, she is colourful, creative, compassionate and is very active in the local community.

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