New exhibition at the Lambeth Archives shows the borough’s connections to the birth of circus

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New exhibition at the Lambeth Archives shows the borough’s connections to the birth of circus - BrixtonBuzz
Description

South London has deep connections to the worlds of theatre and entertainment, and this new exhibition at the Lambeth Archives celebrates the borough’s status as the ‘birthplace of circus.’

Called ”RINGSIDE!”, the free exhibition showcases circus performers and spaces from the Georgian and Victorian eras, recalling travelling circuses such as Sanger’s and Smart’s who would pitch on Clapham and Streatham Commons.

It also includes references to the “new circus” of the 1980s, with physical theatre but without animal acts.

Exhibition details

Open free from 3 March to 12 April 2025

Lambeth Archives, 16 Brixton Hill, SW2 1ET

See website for opening times

Curators’ talks

Saturday 15 March, 2.30 with Charlie Holland

Thursday 27 March, 6.15 with Jon Newman, Lambeth Archives

Related feature

The Angel pub, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton and its Edwardian music hall connections