Traditionally a night at the circus revolves around a ringmaster, some acrobatics and perhaps a clown or two.
But there’s not a red nose in sight at Cirque du Vulgar, an adults-only big top housing a show that’s been raising eyebrows on the Devon coast over the weekend.
Instead of a ringmaster, Cirque du Vulgar has a dominatrix, Lucia, and instead of trapeze artists, it has the Vulgarettes – an even more scantily clad than most burlesque act.
‘As its 250 years since the start of circus in UK, we wanted to do something different to make it appeal to a modern audience,’ said spokeswoman Rosie Clarke.
‘A lot of people may not be going to the theatre as much as they used to because they think it [has] not modernised, whereas things like burlesque is on the rise, while concepts like horror has also been done a lot over the years,’ she said, adding that audiences could expect to see ‘strong, sexy and seductive artists’.
‘Our show is more on the burlesque side but taking it to another level,’ Rosie said.
‘The dancing and additional spectacles will make for some incredible scenes.’
Two stars of the Cirque du Vulgar, which is far removed from most family entertainment
Cirque du Vulgar is a brand new circus-themed show that’s raising eyebrows in Cornish villages
The adults-only circus features a dominatrix, stripteases and burlesque dancing routines
According to organisers the show features ‘strong, sexy and seductive’ artists
‘As its 250 years since the start of circus in UK, we wanted to do something different to make it appeal to a modern audience,’ said spokeswoman Rosie Clarke.
‘A lot of people may not be going to the theatre as much as they used to because they think it [has] not modernised, whereas things like burlesque is on the rise, while concepts like horror has also been done a lot over the years,’ she said, adding that audiences could expect to see ‘strong, sexy and seductive artists’.
‘Our show is more on the burlesque side but taking it to another level,’ Rosie said.
‘The dancing and additional spectacles will make for some incredible scenes.’
The adults-only circus has ramped up its floor show by adding a hint of burlesque
Dominatrix Lucia keeps the troupe of circus performers in line during shows
It may take place within the big top, but it’s unlike any other circus acts around the country
Rosie went on: ‘From the dominatrix act, Lucia, to Antonio, who will be performing the fire whip cracking – it’s just going to be an amazing spectacle.’
Following a one off performance in the sleepy port town of Exmouth on Saturday, Cirque du Vulgar now has further shows lined up in Penzance and Falmouth.
Rosie said of future shows: ‘In addition to all of the other acrobatic acts, there will also be an amazing comedy act from duo Frank and Beans which will be risqué to say the least, and there will be a lot of audience participation.’
In addition to the Vulgarettes and its comedy duo, the travelling circus also features a strong man – all of which can be summed up as ‘spectacular circus acts made sexy’, Rosie said.
The Vulgarettes are among the ‘strong, sexy and seductive’ performers circus -goers can expect to see
Following a one-off performance in Exmouth at the weekend, the Cirque du Vulgar is heading to Penzance and Falmouth
Audience members expecting a night of watching clowns squirting water from their lapels are going to be in for a surprise
All of the performances unfold against the backdrop of a pulsing soundtrack, say organisers
The show features a strong man, a burlesque troupe, a dominatrix and acrobats
There is also a comedy double act, known as Frank and Beans, on the line-up
Cirque du Vulgar’s new show could be coming to a town near you before too long
To find out more visit facebook.com/cirqueduvu