Popular Russian artist-led circus returns to the city

From today until Sunday, June 4, visitors to the Moscow State Circus at Southsea Common can expect to see a two-hour show jam-packed with a variety of performances from Russian artists.

Two clowns known as the Chervotkins Duo tell the story of what organisers call Gostinitsa – the Hotel of Curiosities, by allowing the audience a peek into each room so they can find out what’s going on.

Marnie Dock, press officer and Russian liaison for Moscow State Circus said: ‘Each of our productions is two years in the making, we’re always looking out for better acts and at what’s coming up at the circus schools across Russia.

‘Moscow State Circus is an in English company, but we only contract Russian artists and we tour in Russia too.

‘The clowns tie the show together, they’re very good and have worked for years in the industry.

‘They act as the hotel staff and there’s actually a bit of a love story between them.

‘As a viewer it’s like peeking into different rooms at a hotel and in each, a difference performance takes place.’

The show features acts like the Didyk Troupe, acrobatics on Europe’s only double Russian swings.

The Alikhanov Troupe perform on two 10m poles, balanced on the shoulders of one man with three women climbing to the top of the same pole.

There are unicyclists, juggling acts, trapeze artists and more.

Marnie added: ‘We’ve got a huge variety of performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, even those without children.

‘It’s definitely a show that’s worth seeing.’

The Moscow State Circus is at Southsea Common and up until June 4, there are two performances on most days.

There is a box office on site, which is open from 9am until 9pm.

Tickets can be booked at ticketmaster.co.uk.