Jack Marsh: A Life in Circus, Law, and Creative Leadership
The London theatre scene is buzzing about Come Alive, a new show that premiered this fall, loosely inspired by the hit film The Greatest Showman. While some critics note that the storyline doesn’t effectively tie together the songs from The Greatest Showman, all agree that the circus elements and choreography are the standout features of the production. Kat Landry had the opportunity to chat with Jack Marsh, who worked as the show’s circus consultant. Check out this preview, and don’t miss the full episode next week!
What was it like growing up in the circus, and how did that shape your perspective?
Growing up in the circus was an amazing experience, but unlike many circus performers, I had one foot in “real life” as well. My mother was deeply involved in Circus Flora, so I spent part of my childhood touring but also attended public school in New York. This balance allowed me to appreciate both worlds—circus life with its tight-knit community and traditional education with its structure and stability. I loved both aspects equally and still do.
How did you transition from circus performer to corporate attorney, and what drew you to law?
While I performed in Circus Flora growing up, I never intended to be a professional circus artist. I enjoyed school, math, reading, and writing, which led me to pursue higher education. I attended Harvard, where I wrote my admissions essay about growing up in the circus, and then went on to law school at the University of Wisconsin. My decision to enter corporate law was largely driven by the need to pay off my student loans quickly, as corporate law offered a high salary that allowed me to do so efficiently.
What made you leave corporate law and return to the circus industry?
The turning point came when I took part in a Circus Flora collaboration with the St. Louis Symphony before officially starting at my law firm. I helped produce and direct the show, and I found the experience incredibly fulfilling. When I transitioned to my law firm job, I immediately realized how much I missed the creative world. Over time, I found myself sneaking off to circus and theater performances, which solidified my decision to return to the industry. Eventually, I was invited to join Circus Flora as Associate Artistic Director, and when its founder, David Balding, passed away unexpectedly in 2014, I stepped into the role of Artistic Director.
Can you tell us about your work onCome Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular in London?
Come Alive is an immersive circus production set to the music of The Greatest Showman. It’s not a remake of the movie but rather a new experience built around its iconic soundtrack. The show features a mix of West End theater talent, dancers, and world-class circus artists, blending music and spectacle in a way that’s both engaging and innovative. The immersive aspect is key—it’s staged in a vast hangar-like space in Earl’s Court, where guests first experience a fully interactive circus environment before entering a 700-seat big-top-style theater for the main performance. My role as circus consultant involved shaping the show’s circus elements, casting, and ensuring its artistic direction remained authentic to the spirit of circus.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about working in the circus industry today?
The most rewarding part is the people—the circus community is incredibly passionate, resilient, and creative. Unlike other entertainment industries, circus has a ‘let’s figure it out’ mentality, which fosters innovation and camaraderie. The biggest challenge is audience perception. Circus is a deeply ingrained cultural concept, but people often have preconceived notions of what it is—sometimes outdated or inaccurate. Convincing audiences that contemporary circus is more than their expectations, and getting them to engage with it in a fresh way, is an ongoing challenge.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Growing Up in the Circus
Jack Marsh balanced circus life with a traditional education, influenced by his mother’s theater and juggling background. - Law Career & Return to Circus
After working as a corporate attorney, a collaboration with Circus Flora reignited his passion for creative work. - Leading Big Apple & Circus Flora
Marsh took on leadership roles, blending storytelling with circus arts while managing business operations. - Innovating with ‘Come Alive’
As Circus Consultant, he helped shape this immersive London show inspired by The Greatest Showman. - Shaping Modern Circus
His biggest challenge is changing audience perceptions and ensuring circus remains fresh, relevant, and magical.
Featured Image: Courtesy of Sophie Proe / St.Louis Public Radio
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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