Four shirtless men hold aloft a women dressed as the 'black swan'
Accessible Events
Circus

Duck Pond

Circa
Wed 23 - Mon 28 Dec 2026
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Flying acrobats. Sparkly costumes. A duck army. A love story with a twist.

This Christmas, Circa return to Brighton with their most dazzling show yet.

Duck Pond takes the world's most famous ballet and turns it into a circus spectacular — full of the physical daring you'd expect from Circa, but shot through with cheeky humour and heart.

Follow a hapless prince, a beautiful swan, and a cheeky gang of flipper-wearing ducks as the story unfolds. Expect breath-taking human towers, jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, and moments of pure silliness that will have the whole family laughing.

Funny, moving and completely unforgettable, Duck Pond is a story about finding out who you really are — the perfect festive treat for all the family.

★★★★ ½ 'Duck Pond may just be one of the most exhilarating and thought-provoking shows you will see this year' - Arts Hub

Remember Circa?

You may already know Circa's extraordinary circus skills — from the intimate acrobatics of Humans 2.0 (Brighton Festival 2025) to the striking, stripped-back Sacre (Brighton Festival 2022) and the unforgettable outdoor promenade Depart (Brighton Festival 2017). Now the acclaimed Australian company bring something completely different: a joyful, family-friendly reimagining of Swan Lake.

'A masterful presentation of exhilarating talent'
Standing Innovation
'The acrobatics are awe-inspiring'
The Irish Times
'Graceful aerial solos. Jaw dropping lifts. Superhuman balances. Swan Lake as you’ve never seen it before'
The Times

Take a dive into the trailer

'Thoroughly entertaining. This circus mash-up of swan lake and the ugly duckling is a seasonal treat'
Time Out
'Daring and a desire to go beyond…is what keeps Circa on the cutting edge'
Limelight
'funny, beautiful and magical, with enough suspense to make the audience hold their breath'
Stage Whispers
A group of contemporary dancers performs on a theater stage beneath tall, flowing blue-gray curtains. At center, one dancer in a white costume is captured midair in a dramatic leap after being tossed by teammates below, while another performer reaches upward beneath them. Additional dancers in fitted white outfits stand to the right with their arms raised, ready to catch or support. The glossy black stage floor reflects the performers and curtains, emphasizing the height and energy of the acrobatic movement.
Lots of people are holding up on person by one leg. Their other leg is being held up to their head
A theater stage is framed by deep blue curtains and illuminated with cool blue lighting. At center, a performer in a fitted white costume is suspended several feet above the stage on intersecting blue aerial silks, balancing with one leg extended outward and one hand gripping the fabric. Two other performers in matching white costumes kneel on opposite sides below, each pulling on the silks to create tension and support the aerial pose. The glossy black stage floor reflects the performers, fabric, and lighting, creating a striking, symmetrical composition.
Three people are hanging on a rope. They are suspended in different positions, one person is in the splits upside down. They are in front of a dark blue curtain
Eight people standing on a stage. Three people are standing on top of each others shoulders, either side are two people standing on each others shoulders
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A group of contemporary dancers performs on a theater stage beneath tall, flowing blue-gray curtains. At center, one dancer in a white costume is captured midair in a dramatic leap after being tossed by teammates below, while another performer reaches upward beneath them. Additional dancers in fitted white outfits stand to the right with their arms raised, ready to catch or support. The glossy black stage floor reflects the performers and curtains, emphasizing the height and energy of the acrobatic movement.
Lots of people are holding up on person by one leg. Their other leg is being held up to their head
A theater stage is framed by deep blue curtains and illuminated with cool blue lighting. At center, a performer in a fitted white costume is suspended several feet above the stage on intersecting blue aerial silks, balancing with one leg extended outward and one hand gripping the fabric. Two other performers in matching white costumes kneel on opposite sides below, each pulling on the silks to create tension and support the aerial pose. The glossy black stage floor reflects the performers, fabric, and lighting, creating a striking, symmetrical composition.
Three people are hanging on a rope. They are suspended in different positions, one person is in the splits upside down. They are in front of a dark blue curtain
Eight people standing on a stage. Three people are standing on top of each others shoulders, either side are two people standing on each others shoulders

Credits

Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa ensemble.

Director, Stage Design Yaron Lifschitz
Composer and Sound Designer Jethro Woodward
Costume Designer Libby McDonnell
Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage
Associate Director Marty Evans
Dramaturg/Associate Choreographer Rani Luther 
Voice Over Artist Elise Greig 

Footage of brutal swan fight used with the kind permission of Carl Bovis.

Due to the nature of circus performance, the individuals in the Circa Ensemble are subject to change. A current and accurate list of acrobats involved in the performance will be available closer to the performance date.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. 

Duck Pond is co-commissioned by QPAC and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Art House Wyong, Frankston Arts Centre, HOTA - Home of the Arts, Merrigong Theatre Company and Orange Civic Theatre.

**Stage timings are subject to change

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