Stilt-walkers, kaleidoscopic colours, glittering tarot card readers and suited-up magicians, all in one, fantastical, dizzyingly colourful set-up? That's right – the circus is back in town.
On every second Saturday night of the month until mid-November, an immersive, circus-themed pop-up is set to bring a little escapist fantasy to Docklands, taking over the arcade game filled den of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq.
This wonderland, called Showtime, will cater to all of your senses: swish through lush red velvet drapes, wander through the entertainers and stalls of performers and artists while a DJ spins tunes all night. Everything from hula hoopers to tarot card readers, mime artists and face painters will be there. The event is put on by Funlab, the brains behind Holey Moley and B. Lucky and Sons, who know a thing or two about having fun.
Running from 7-10pm, the adults-only event will keep you wined and dined as well as thoroughly entertained. Theme-park-inspired, American-style diner eats are on the menu: there are burgers, cheese steaks, potato buns, corn ribs, onion rings and an eight-hour hickory-smoked brisket sandwich. Get a range of ultra-camp alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to tide you through the evening, including loaded shakes, Nerds-infused drinks, and even a cocktail inspired by a disco ball.
Plus, you can win tickets throughout the night (à la Time Zone back in the day) and cash them in for retro prizes: think pop vinyls, gaming consoles, and other '90s paraphernalia.