‘inspires the audience – young and old – to dream and believe in better things: what a beautiful seed to sow’
Imagine a world where feelings have been outlawed. Sound far-fetched? Well, it’s probably a lot closer to reality than many of us care to think.
Thankfully, The Secret Circus Musical does just that as gregarious Rock ‘n’ Roll ringleader Ringo (Chanel Samson) assisted by Bingo (Trev Fleming) establish an underground big top as a place for freedom and self-expression, and where everyone is welcome whether they be person, animal, or marionette.
With original book, music and lyrics by Samson and Holly Anne Mitchell, this family and LGBTQ-friendly live music show features an array of talented local artists, puppeteers, and circus performers – Eve Howlett, Jazzie Minka, Jorgelina, Orange the Clown, Gemma Bond and Josh Macrow – in a magical musical for all the ages which works on so many levels: think Pixar crossed with Sesame Street and you’ll get the drift.
Although scheduled to run for forty-five minutes, with thirty-minutes of pre-show clowning following doors opening and a wealth of time spent with the audience afterwards, this is in fact well over ninety-minutes of full on, accessible entertainment which comfortably interacts with its audience as much or as little as they want to let it, with song, dance and all-round fun on offer as producer and stage manager Taylor Doherty keeps everything ticking along.
It’s a lovely place to explore secrets – from the serious to the absurd to the comic – and most importantly feelings: excited or scared, happy or sad, it’s OK to not feel OK and allow your friends and family to help get you feeling better.
Fleming’s voicings were superb as he brought a range of characters to life, much to the delight and enchantment of the audience, and he had a fine voice too when he burst in to song.
Orange the Clown delivered some spectacular ballon creations, whilst Eve Howlett towered over us on stilts. Jazzie Minka’s hoopla was impressive and mesmerising whilst Jorgelina juggled her way to showing us how one small failure was merely a bigger step towards success. And puppeteers and puppet makers Gemma Bond and Josh Macrow brought a range of creatures to life from a wolf to an elephant, a lion to some seals, which helped us appreciate the importance of empathy and finding a place to belong.
But the glue of this circus was the all-round performance of Samson’s song and dance cabaret routine which embraced her natural skill as a storyteller who inspires the audience – young and old – to dream and believe in better things: what a beautiful seed to sow.
Kazimier Gardens is in the heart of Liverpool’s Rope Walks district. Affectionately known as ‘The Kaz’, it hosts a wide array of live and electronic music events & is also home to Kabin + Kazimier Stockroom. For further information https://www.invisiblewindfactory.com/kaz-garden/
The Secret Circus Musical is an original all ages traveling puppet circus musical touring all around the world, further details https://thesecretcircusmus.wixsite.com/secretcircusmusical
Review Date: 28th June 2026
Star Rating: FOUR