Extreme entertainment at the circus

THE Great Moscow Circus brings its all-new show to Bendigo for a two-week run from May 31.

And its performers aim to be as wild, extreme and death-defyingly entertaining as possible.

The Bendigo run is part of the circus’ first Victorian tour in six years, which begins in Mildura tonight.

Circus marketing manager Mark Edgley, whose family company the Edgley Organisation bought the trademark name ownership in 1991, said the circus features acts from Armenia, Ukraine, Brazil, Columbia, Greece, New Zealand and Australia.

“COVID grounded the circus in 2021 and due to the sensitive political world situation, these carefully-chosen superstars have come together for the first time,” Mr Edgley said.

The Great Moscow Circus first visited Australia in 1965 under the auspices of the Edgley Organisation, and has continued to perform here and in New Zealand every three to five years ever since.

Mr Edgley said his family bought ownership of the name when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, with both his and the Weber circus families now owning the trademark.

Both were Australian and had no association or affiliation with the Russian government, he said.

“The Great Moscow Circus is an extremely strong brand name built up in Australia and New Zealand since the 1960s, with more than seven million people attending our different seasons,” Mr Edgley said.

The new show features BMX and pro scooter riders, a multi-motorcycle cage riding act and a pole act among its performers.

“Our Armenian clown has been revered as the funniest in the world, leaving audiences roaring with laughter,” Mr Edgley said.

“The Wheel of Death and electrifying high tricks on the trampoline heighten the extreme theme.”

Several aerial acts and the trapeze round out the bill.

“Do not be confused. Other circuses come and go, but there is only one Great Moscow Circus that upholds the high-quality brand name,” Mr Edgley said.

The circus will take place at the showgrounds.

For dates, times, tickets and more information, head to thegreatmoscowcircus.com.au.