Hudsons Circus is one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. It had everything: death-defying, nausea-inducing tightrope acts, seemingly impossible motorbike stunts, an endless parade of animals, and a classic circus clown.
Hudsons Circus is currently on tour in Queensland and is billed as a traditional circus with a modern twist. In 2024, Hudsons Circus celebrated their 10th anniversary and toured with two casts, one in Queensland and one in New South Wales. In 2025 it’s back to one touring cast and it promises to be bigger, bolder and better than ever.
The show features a range of acts from Australia and around the world. They say never work with children or animals, but Hudsons throws that idea out the window and it pays off in spades. A show with live animals adds a dimension that is just incomparable.
For anyone with concerns, Hudsons provide a very clear and open policy on how they work and care for their animals on their site. The animals currently involved in the show include three Arabian camels, a group of Liberty Welsh Mountain Ponies, and three Flipping Disc Dogz (who were semi finalists on Australia’s Got Talent!). The camels in particular were just amazing to watch up close. And the dogs really do have talent! Just wait until you see what they can do.
If you can justify the cost, which isn’t too high for a live show, grab yourself a ringside seat. The closer you are to the action, the better the show is going to be. I had water squirted in my face, popcorn dumped on my head, and I absolutely loved it. Experiencing the thrills, wide-eyed from the front row, felt like turning back the clock to when I was ten years old. Hudsons Circus is not just for the young, it’s for the young at heart too.
“One of the best live performances I’ve ever seen.”
Goldie the Clown and his cheeky talking car delivered countless moments of hilarity, keeping the audience on their toes. He frequently pulled members of the crowd into the fun with some of the best audience interaction I’ve ever experienced.
Captain Ash the pirate on the high wire closely resembled a certain well known movie character and his act was fearless and terrifying. He mostly performed without a safety net, adding to the drama. It was edge of your seat stuff and I loved it.
An artist that can be best described as ‘Whip Guy’ performed stunts with a whip that cracked inches from my nose. This talented performer was also behind the neon, oversized character known as Slinky. I’ve never seen anything like this character before, it was visually mesmerising.
The contortionist from South America performed some incredible tricks with her feet that must be seen to be believed. She was accompanied by a talented vocalist, and on that note, the show’s entire soundtrack was fantastic. Blending classic circus music with recognisable modern tracks, it helped add to the overall exciting atmosphere.
My absolute favourite act was the final one: the Brazilian motorbike Globe riders. Performing in what is known as the Globe of Death, these three riders careened around inside a giant steel ball. Knowing that a single misjudgment could have led to career-ending injuries made their act all the more thrilling to watch. Hats off the young rider who also expertly performed inside the Globe of Death. The next generation of talent is in good hands.
The show runs for two hours with an intermission and filming is permitted so long as flashes are off. No photos are allowed though. With parking on site, be sure to arrive early to experience the pre-show offerings including sideshow style games. Popcorn is available for purchase as well as some fun light up accessories which can be taken inside the big top.
Hudsons Circus offers an experience best described as pure joy. It is a feast for the senses and fun for the whole family. I highly recommend stepping right up before the circus leaves town.
Hudsons Circus is on now at Mt Gravatt, on Logan Road near Westfield, until 23 February. It then moves to Springfield Central, Orion Shopping Centre, Ipswich from 27 February to 23 March.
Tickets: https://hudsons.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales
Website: https://www.hudsonscircus.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hudsonscircus/
Photo credits: Katy Driver
