Circus life: why we should all run away with the circus ^expired Free

The art form of circus was invented by impresario and trick horse rider Philip Astley in London in 1768. To mark its 250th anniversary Birkbeck will be hosting a number of events celebrating the skills and traditions of the circus. Highlighting this global community of itinerant performers who continue to dedicate their lives to this uniquely accessible form of live entertainment.

As the anniversary year reaches its finale, join Dr Dea Birkett and Professor Ron Beadle as they look to the future and discuss why we should all run away with the circus. Dea Birkett is a writer, journalist, broadcaster and former circus performer, and is Ringmaster of the Circus 250 project. Ron Beadle is Professor of Organisation and Business Ethics at Northumbria University and Visiting Professor at the National Centre for Circus Arts. He researches ethics in circus and is co-founder of the Circus Research Network.

This event accompanies the exhibition Circus Life: Art and Artistes running at the Peltz Gallery from 7 November – 12 December 2018. Featuring paintings, drawings, photographs, film, ceramics and sculpture capturing and exploring the people, places and performances of the Circus.