In this, the 250th anniversary year of the world's first circus performance, the 'father of the modern circus' Serjeant-Major Philip Astley is reincarnated by his modern-day equivalent. Real-life ringmaster, circus personality and professional actor Chris Barltrop has painstakingly researched and written Astley's story and now performs it at first hand in a characterful and atmospheric presentation. A respected life-long exponent gives his unique historical view from inside the world of the classical circus, bringing the story to vivid life. 'Fascinating...kept the audience engaged throughout (Gerald Armin, Artistic Director Waterloo East Theatre). A triumph! (Professor Marius Kwint).