Over 50s circus showcase returns to Hertfordshire: ‘A Rebellion Against Ageism’

This Sunday, Ware Drill Hall turns into a big top as Generation Circus brings back its Over 50s Circus Showcase. Billed as ‘A Rebellion Against Ageism’, the show argues that play, performance and taking a few risks aren’t just for the young.

On 14 June, the stage will fill with circus artists aged 50 to 96. The lineup mixes trapeze, hula hoop, juggling, clowning and dance — all skills learned in the group’s free weekly workshops.

Those workshops run year-round at Ware Drill Hall and are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Each performer turns up every week to train, from first-time jugglers to seasoned trapeze artists.

For many, the classes mean more than a new hobby. Pink-haired Carol, who performs trapeze, dance and hoop, said circus helped her after her daughter died four years ago. “My world came crashing down,” she said. “Circus gave me a way to reconnect with the world. It’s given me purpose and brought a little bit of sparkle back into my life. Performing is my escape from life’s hard knocks — my happy place.”