Over-50s circus showcase, with a 96-year-old on the bill

‘There’s something radical about seeing people reclaim play, performance and visibility later in life,’ say those behind an over-50s circus showcase

‘There’s something radical about seeing people reclaim play, performance and visibility later in life,’ say those behind an over-50s circus showcase

Roll up, roll up: last weekend saw the return of Generation Circus’ Over 50s Circus Showcase, a joyful challenge to the idea that play, performance and risk-taking belong only to the young.

Held on Sunday, 14 June in Hertfordshire, UK, the show — ‘A Rebellion Against Ageism’ — brought together circus artists ranging in age from 50 all the way up to 96. Trapeze, hula hoop, juggling, clowning and dance were all on the bill.

Each performer was a weekly attendee at Generation Circus’ circus skills workshops held at Ware Drill Hall, learning new skills from juggling to trapeze. Classes are completely free and funded by the The National Lottery Community Fund.

Pink-haired Carol (main picture), who performs trapeze, dance, and hoop, said that her world “came crashing down” after the death of her daughter four years ago. “Circus gave me a way to reconnect with the world, it’s given me a purpose and brought a little bit of sparkle back into my life. Performing is my escape from the reality of life’s hard knocks, my happy place.”

Each performer is a weekly attendee at Generation Circus’ circus skills workshops held at Ware Drill Hall, learning new skills from juggling to trapeze. Pictured: Pamela

Several performers returned from last year’s show , ‘Will You Still Love Me?’, which drew sell-out audiences of 500.

One of last year’s performers, Alison, said: 'Emma has created a wonderfully nurturing, safe space where we can come as we are and feel accepted. There’s no too big, too much, too weird here!'. Pictured: Rumman

Carol now also performs burlesque as her alter ego Talula Demure. She added: “I say be a kid at heart because the older you get the more you can get away with.”

Trapeze, hula hoop, juggling, clowning and dance were all on the bill at last weekend's show. Pictured: Muna and John

Emma Taylor launched Generation Circus in collaboration with her daughter, Maisy. The pair have an extensive background in contemporary and social circus. Back in the 1990s, Emma and husband Dave had a doubles trapeze act – with Maisy always taking part in the show, even at just age four.