[title]
Soak up some free circus performances at Somerset House as part of two weekends which celebrate 250 years since the first circus was launched in London by Philip and Patty Astley. Back then, Astley's arena was all about spectacular feats of horseriding and daredevilry. Things have come along a bit in the intervening centuries: the first weekend of 'Circus Sampler' (Saturday 28th-Sunday 29th July) showcases acts including synchronised hula hooping from Marawa and the Majorettes and fast-paced hip-hop inspired footwork, tight-wire and Chinese pole by Far from the Norm.
Or rock up for the second weekend (Saturday 4th-Sunday 5th August) to see dazzling juggling troupe Gandini. They blur the lines between circus, art and dance with their fiendishly complex, witty shows. Somerset House has commissioned a new Gandini work called 'Cascada', where 30 jugglers will position themselves amongst the jets of the venue's courtyard fountain for a sopping wet display of virtuoso skill.