'How did they do that?' - Circus Brazil wows audiences on Paignton seafront

Circus Brazil has brought a spectacular celebration of colour, rhythm and breathtaking performance to Paignton seafront, running on Paignton Green until August 31.

The show combines aerial artistry, acrobatics, live music and samba energy, and has been drawing audiences of all ages since it opened at the end of July.

A review of the show praised its non-stop pace from the moment the lights dimmed, with a clown act built on timing and expressive comedy that appealed across generations. The acrobats were described as fearless, with leaps, catches and balances that drew gasps from the crowd and reflected countless hours of practice behind seemingly effortless performances.

A hula hoop act left audiences baffled by the sheer number of hoops kept spinning at once, while the aerial silks were praised for combining elegance, strength and artistry to striking effect.

The standout moment, according to the review, came when a young aerialist performed suspended by nothing more than her own hair, a feat described as beautiful and almost beyond belief, with the audience holding its breath before breaking into applause.

From hobby to dream: one performer's journey

Among the cast is aerialist Alicia Bristow, whose path to Circus Brazil began with a simple realisation at the age of 22 that she had no hobby or source of personal happiness. She signed up for evening aerial silks classes and quickly found a connection with the discipline, going on to join a circus school and complete a BTEC course. She has since developed aerial hoop and aerial net acts, and is currently working on roller bowler and juggling skills.

Alicia faced scepticism along the way, with some telling her she was too old or not strong enough to join the circus. She trained daily and contacted circuses directly in search of work, eventually connecting with Circus Brazil. She was initially offered a role in the box office and general staff duties, and accepted simply for the chance to start a new life with the circus.

After her arrival, Elaine, a key figure at Circus Brazil, discovered Alicia's aerial silks background and began working her into the show. What started as a small piece grew into Alicia performing the show's opening, finale and her own silks act, a turn of events she describes as a dream come true. She says the experience has given her a sense of belonging she had never felt before.

Circus Brazil is running on Paignton Green, Paignton Seafront, Devon, TQ4 6BW, until 31 August 2026.

Al Macphee of Miracle PR said: "There's something wonderfully nostalgic about going to the circus, but Circus Brazil reminded us that it's also a place to be genuinely amazed.

"From the moment the lights dimmed, the pace never let up. The clown had everyone in stitches, proving that with little more than perfect timing, expressive faces and a handful of squeaks, you can create laugh-out-loud comedy that appeals to every generation.

"The acrobats were fearless. Every leap, catch and impossible-looking balance drew gasps from the audience, and it's impossible not to marvel at the countless hours of dedication behind such effortless-looking performances.

"One act that left us scratching our heads was the hula hoop performer. Honestly, how on earth does anyone keep that many hoops moving at once? It was mesmerising to watch.

"The aerial silks were beautifully choreographed, combining elegance, strength and artistry in a way that made them look almost weightless.

"But for me, the standout moment came when a young aerialist performed suspended by nothing more than her own hair. It was breathtaking, beautiful and almost beyond belief. The entire audience seemed to hold its breath before erupting into well-deserved applause.

"In an age of screens and special effects, Circus Brazil is a refreshing reminder that real people doing extraordinary things is still the greatest spectacle of all. We left smiling, laughing, and wondering, 'How did they do that?' If Circus Brazil comes to your town, don't miss the chance to experience it."

From hobby to dream: Alicia Bristow's circus journey - by Al Macphee

Alicia Bristow's story is one of self-discovery and pursuing a long-held dream against the odds. At 22, Alicia realised she lacked a hobby, something that brought her personal happiness or a sense of belonging. "I had nothing that made me happy, or I never did anything for myself," she recounts. This realisation led her to enrol in evening aerial silks classes, a decision that would ultimately transform her life.

"I fell in love with it," Alicia says, describing the immediate connection she felt with aerial silks. This passion propelled her to join a circus school and complete a BTEC course, where she honed her skills. Beyond aerial silks, she developed aerial hoop and aerial net acts, and is currently working on roller bowler and juggling acts, demonstrating her dedication to versatility.

Despite her growing talent, Alicia faced scepticism. Many told her it was "too late in life to run away at the circus," that she was "too old" or "not strong enough." Undeterred, she committed to daily training, driven by a fierce desire to join a circus. She actively sought opportunities, emailing various circuses in her quest for work.

Her perseverance paid off when she connected with Circus Brazil. Initially offered a position in the box office and on general staff duties, Alicia accepted, simply happy to "run away with the circus" and start a new life. However, upon her arrival, Elaine, a key figure in Circus Brazil, discovered Alicia's aerial silks abilities.

This discovery led to an unexpected and dream-like turn of events. Elaine placed Alicia in the show, starting with a small piece, and soon Alicia was performing the opening, the finale and her silks act. "It's literally like a dream come true," she says. What began as a search for a hobby evolved into a fulfilling career and a profound sense of belonging. "I never felt like I had a place... whereas starting this made me feel like I had a place, in a way," she reflects, capturing the deep joy and purpose she found in the vibrant world of the circus.