Roll up for Circus 1903

Peter Lynch
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Peter Lynch is one of Australia's leading entertainment journalist, writer and reviewer. He is a former showbiz editor of The Daily Mail, London, and worked for The Times, The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald . He writes, interviews and reviews theatre, food, music, art and travel.
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Updated On
October 16, 2025

Internationally acclaimed Circus 1903 will bend over backwards on its return to the Sydney Opera House this festive season. 

With a strictly limited run from December 21-29, Circus 1903 will take over the Concert Hall and transport audiences to the Golden Age of circus.

Among the attractions are the majestic Queenie and her adorable calf Peanut – artistically crafted puppet elephants from the award-winning War Horse team – alongside an international cast of world class performers, glamorous turn of the century costumes and visually splendid staging.  

Led by ringmaster David Williamson, audiences will be left wide-eyed by breathtaking and death-defying skills from the talented cast. 

From aerial acts that see performers soaring across the big top to jaw-dropping displays of acrobatics, mind-boggling contortionists and mesmerising balancing skills, Circus 1903 will astound and astonish all ages. 

It’s not the first time Circus 1903 has performed under the sails of the Sydney Opera House, having made its world premiere there in 2016.

“We’re delighted to bring this nostalgic production back to the Sydney Opera House this summer to offer one and all a glimpse into a world of entertainment where surprise is the only guarantee,” said Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance, Ebony Bott.

A large elephant puppet, flanked by performers, is presented on a circus stage

Circus 1903 has since toured Los Angeles, New York, had a Las Vegas residency and performed four sell-out seasons in London. 

“It is wonderful to be collaborating again with the Sydney Opera House in presenting the world’s best family entertainment for our 10th summer season,” Circus 1903 Producer, Tim Lawson said. 

“From its launch on the Concert Hall stage, like many of our shows before, Circus 1903 has enjoyed huge international success due to its broad audience appeal, high production values boasting all the thrills and spills of a grand big top circus, set in the comfort of one of the world’s most iconic venues.”

Circus 1903 is produced by Lawson & The Works Entertainment (Le Grand Cirque, Le Noir, Cirque Adrenaline and The Illusionists), with an original composition from Evan Jolly (Netflix’s The Crown and DC’s Aquaman) and costumes from renowned designer Angela Aaron (Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple).

December 21-29, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, sydneyoperahouse.com

Large burlap elephant puppets are being manipulated by puppeteers on a dark stage
Among the attractions are the Queenie and her calf Peanut from the award-winning War Horse team.

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