The Circus

The Circus Preserving heritage & Inspiring the future.

The Circus is the South West's permanent home for the circus arts, bringing together a live performance venue, circus school & museum within one of Exeter's most magnificent historic buildings.

When she reopend her doors again to the church, after her 2004/05 restoration completed ✨️
06/09/2026

When she reopend her doors again to the church, after her 2004/05 restoration completed ✨️

This is one of the original architectural drawings for St Sidwell's Wesleyan Church, created by Frederick Commins before...
05/09/2026

This is one of the original architectural drawings for St Sidwell's Wesleyan Church, created by Frederick Commins before construction began in 1902 ✨️🎪⛪️❤️

Thank you to Richard Scott for the pictures & information 🤍

Thank you so much for the gift 🤍🎪⛪️✨️
04/09/2026

Thank you so much for the gift 🤍🎪⛪️✨️

To help raise funds to help put lead on the dome, the young people of St Sidwell's Methodist Church organised a special ...
04/09/2026

To help raise funds to help put lead on the dome, the young people of St Sidwell's Methodist Church organised a special "Devonshire At Home" fundraising event. Held on the 29th of April 1936, the afternoon brought together teas, music, Devonshire pottery & produce & gift stalls, with the Mayor of Bridport & the Mayoress of Exeter officially opening the event

It's wonderful to look back at the community spirit that helped care for the building. Every generation has played its part in preserving her story... & now it's our turn ✨🎪⛪️🤍

When she's full of people, music & applause, the atmosphere is going to be electric 🤍🎪⛪️✨️
04/09/2026

When she's full of people, music & applause, the atmosphere is going to be electric 🤍🎪⛪️✨️

Although I plan to open The Circus with a comedy night, the moment I'm looking forward to most will come a little later....
03/09/2026

Although I plan to open The Circus with a comedy night, the moment I'm looking forward to most will come a little later... when we present our very first circus performance beneath her cuploa 🤍🎪⛪️✨️

A day full of meetings & thankfully every one of them went brilliantly ✨ From the Red Coats & electricians, to a theatre...
03/09/2026

A day full of meetings & thankfully every one of them went brilliantly ✨ From the Red Coats & electricians, to a theatre producer & old friends... it's been another exciting day for The Circus. I hope all enjoyed the tour today, & yep... I even managed to climb & explore from above once again ❤️🎪⛪️💫

Construction of Sidwell Street Wesleyan Methodist Church began with the laying of the foundation stone on 3rd December 1...
02/09/2026

Construction of Sidwell Street Wesleyan Methodist Church began with the laying of the foundation stone on 3rd December 1902. After numerous setbacks, the magnificent building finally opened her doors on May 3rd 1905 🤍⛪️✨

The beautiful stained glass windows were added between 1921 & 1923. Many were dedicated to members of the congregation w...
02/09/2026

The beautiful stained glass windows were added between 1921 & 1923. Many were dedicated to members of the congregation who lost their lives during the First World War, ensuring their stories would forever be part of the building. Over a century later they continue to shine as brightly as ever 🤍⛪️✨️🎪

Over the past several months I've looked at tons of ideas & concepts for what The Circus could become. From hand drawn s...
01/09/2026

Over the past several months I've looked at tons of ideas & concepts for what The Circus could become. From hand drawn sketches to computer generated designs, every image has helped shape the vision. Not because they'll become the final design but because each one sparks another idea. My aim has never been to create a venue that only works for one thing, but rather creating a space that can evolve & adapt, making it one of the most versatile entertainment venues in the South West. One evening it could host a circus, the next a band, then a comedy show, wedding, a theatre production, a business conference, charity gala or even a community event... flexibility is key. The existing pews are a perfect example. If a performance calls for traditional seating, they'll remain in place. If we need standing room, dining tables or an open event space, they'll be carefully removed to create a completely different layout. The removable pews are probably one of the smartest ideas we have had. They preserve the historic interior while giving us the flexibility that modern venues need. We are currently looking at ways to have them mounted on hidden fixing points & then stored safely on site when not in use, we will retain both heritage & the functionality this way. We are also exploring electric blackout blinds, fitted discreetly using the existing fittings, allowing for us to transform the beautiful natural light into complete darkness whenever a performance demands it, this is important for performances. Every decision is being made with respect for the building's incredible heritage. She'll retain all of her beauty, her history & her character, both inside n out

The possibilities really are really endless 🎪⛪️🤍✨

Address

60 To 64 Sidwell Street
Exeter
EX46PH

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