
The new Glasshouse Theatre will be transformed into the dazzling and decadent world of 1920s New York when Cirque Empire roars into Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 5 to 14 February 2027, making its Brisbane debut as part of the production’s world premiere season.
The news comes off the back of an earlier announcement that Perth has been added as the second tour stop, following on from the world premiere season in Sydney, both scheduled for January 2027.
Bringing together an international cast of elite circus performers, acrobats and aerial artists, Cirque Empire is a lavish new circus spectacle from entertainment visionaries Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, the producers behind international sensation The Illusionists, Cirque Alice, and Now You See Me Live.
The year is 1922. A visionary young impresario recently inherited his late father’s fortune and invested every penny in creating the ultimate New York City destination for roaring twenties revelry. He has imported the most breathtaking, outrageous, and exotic talent from across the globe to perform nightly in his opulent theatrical extravaganza, assembling an eclectic cast of characters from high-flying aerialists and avant-garde acrobats to hysterical comedians and dazzling dancers.

The production boasts an extraordinary line-up of international circus talent, including Duo Paradise performing a breathtaking pas de deux; The Reyes Brothers with their gravity-defying juggling act; aerial straps sensation Viktoriia Bubnova; hand-balancing extraordinaire Valentin Chetverkin; the high-flying Zapata Brothers on teeterboard; and Duo Sirca Marea showcasing a spectacular aerial cradle performance.
Adding further star power to the creative team is choreography by award-winning Australian creative director and performer, Kelley Abbey, whose career has spanned some of the biggest stages and screens in the world including television series, So You Think You Can Dance in Australia and the United States and the Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA-winning film Happy Feet.
Creative Producer Simon Painter said the production features some of the very best contemporary circus talent from around the globe.
“We’ve brought together some of the finest circus artists performing anywhere in the world. From extraordinary aerialists and acrobats to world-class comedy and dance talent, this cast represents the very best in contemporary circus.
Cirque Empire captures the excitement, glamour and larger-than-life spirit of the decade of decadence, combining incredible human skill with a theatrical spectacle unlike anything else on stage today.”
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, Cirque Empire will also offer a unique VIP on-stage seating option, placing guests at the heart of the action.
Tim Lawson and Simon Painter have created, produced and presented first class entertainment in more than 450 cities in 45 countries, smashing box office records on Broadway, London, Vegas and beyond.
Cirque Empire marks the company’s ninth circus production together, many of which, including Le Noir and Cirque Alice and Circus 1903, have enjoyed great international success with multiple sell out seasons in London, New York and Vegas.
Cirque Empire premieres 7 January 2027 in Sydney and then tours to Perth and Brisbane. See full dates below.
Ticket links are available below.
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/cirqueempire/
Images supplied.
2027 Australian Tour Dates:
Sydney 7 – 16 January, Coliseum Theatre Tickets
Perth 22 – 31 January, Crown Theatre Tickets
Brisbane 5 – 14 February, Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC Tickets






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