Zippos Circus, a staple of British entertainment for four decades, is marking its 40th anniversary with a major London tour in 2026, offering audiences a chance to see its new show for half-price on select nights.
The tour, which celebrates the circus’s founding in 1986 by Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton, will bring a world-class cast of international performers to nine locations across the capital. To launch its residency in each area, the circus will hold a ‘First Day Preview’ show where all tickets are half price, making ringside seats available from £15 and rear seats from £12.
The Show and The Cast
According to the circus, the 40th-anniversary production is a family-friendly spectacle featuring a mix of traditional and modern acts. The two-hour show, which includes a 15-minute interval, is hosted by Paulo Dos Santos, described as the ‘World’s Smallest Showman’. The international lineup includes Aixa & Facundo performing a cradle act, hand balancer Kinga Dienes, the acrobatic Mighty Zulu Warriors from Kenya, aerialist Jackie Louise, and French cloud swing artist Cheyenne.
The programme also features the daredevil ‘Globe of Death’ act by the Zippos Riders, crossbow performances by The Phoenix Rebels, and comedy from Italy’s Mr. Lorenz. The circus notes the production uses bright and flashing lights, dramatic sound effects, and non-particle smoke to create an immersive experience.
Ticket Details and Practicalities
Standard pricing for the 2026 tour has been frozen at 2024 levels. Adult tickets range from £19 for Grandstand seats to £33 for Ringside seats, with child tickets priced between £15 and £26. Children under two are admitted free if they do not occupy a seat, while all guests aged 15 and over require an adult ticket.
The circus states that a booking fee applies to online purchases but is not charged for tickets bought in person at the on-site Ticket Office. No further discount codes can be applied to the already-reduced preview night tickets.
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available, with a free ticket provided for a personal assistant where required.
London Tour Schedule
The 2026 tour will visit the following London locations, with the first date at each venue being the half-price preview performance:
Blackheath: 1st – 13th April 2026 (Blackheath Common, SE3 0UA). Preview: Wednesday, 1st April.
East Ham: 16th – 20th April 2026 (Central Park, E6 6ET). Preview: Thursday, 16th April.
Tooting: 23rd – 27th April 2026 (Figges Marsh, CR4 3LB). Preview: Thursday, 23rd April.
Acton Green: 30th April – 4th May 2026 (by Turnham Green tube, W4 1LS). Preview: Thursday, 30th April.
Leyton: 7th – 11th May 2026 (Jubilee Park, E10 7BL). Preview: Thursday, 7th May.
Edgware (Colindale): 14th – 18th May 2026 (Montrose Playing Fields, HA8 0DT). Preview: Thursday, 14th May.
Wimbledon: 21st – 25th May 2026 (Home Park Road, SW19 7HX). Preview: Thursday, 21st May.
Wallington: 27th May – 1st June 2026 (Beddington Park, SM6 7LS). Preview: Wednesday, 27th May.
Bounds Green: 4th – 8th June 2026 (Oliver Tambo Recreation Ground, N22 7XL). Preview: Thursday, 4th June.
The tour will subsequently continue outside London, with dates in Shrewsbury from 11th June 2026.
A Notable History
Zippos Circus has a distinguished heritage. Founded with a grant from British Petroleum, its first performances were in London. The circus has performed at Buckingham Palace and founder Martin Burton is celebrating his 51st year in the industry. The show has a connection to the history of clowning, referencing Joseph Grimaldi, who lived in Islington.
In 2023, Zippos became the first travelling circus in the UK to be awarded the ‘Big Top Label’ by the European Parliament, a mark of quality for contemporary circus arts. The circus also highlights its environmental efforts, noting that its vehicles run on processed chip fat.
