The internationally acclaimed Australian circus company Circa, in collaboration with Academy Award® winning animation studio Aardman, is taking Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show on a worldwide tour. The show will make its European premiere in Manchester at Aviva Studios, part of Factory International, from 11 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, before continuing to other international destinations, including planned performances in the United States.
Photo: Prudence Upton
Venue: Aviva Studios & Factory International
Aviva Studios in Manchester’s St John’s district is a major new cultural landmark and the home of Factory International. The venue opened in 2023 and is designed to host large scale performances spanning theatre, dance, visual arts and live events. Its versatile spaces—including The Hall and The Warehouse—enable productions like Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show to blend acrobatics, imaginative scenic design and immersive visual storytelling.
As a hub for families and younger audiences, Aviva Studios offers relaxed and audio described performances, as well as affordable ticket options, making it an ideal setting for Circa’s heart warming, family friendly production. The venue sits in Manchester’s St John’s district, connecting the city’s industrial and cultural past with a vibrant modern creative scene.
The Show
This heart warming family production combines Circa’s breathtaking acrobatics with Aardman’s trademark wit and charm. Shaun, Bitzer and the Flock come to life in a spectacular fusion of circus, theatre, dance and comedy. Audiences can expect daring stunts, aerial feats, tumbling, juggling, trapeze acts—and plenty of slapstick humour that will entertain both the Farmer and the audience, in true Shaun style.
Under the direction of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa’s Artistic Director and CEO, the ensemble pushes the boundaries of physical performance while capturing the warmth and playfulness of Shaun’s world. Scenic Designer Dan Potra and Costume Designer Libby McDonnell have created an imaginative setting where live performance and animation seamlessly collide.
Photo: Prudence Upton
What to Expect
Audiences can look forward to:
- Gravity defying acrobatics and aerial performances that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Tumbling, juggling, and trapeze acts, each executed with Circa’s trademark precision and flair.
- Playful interaction between Shaun, Bitzer and the Flock, capturing the charm and humor of the beloved characters.
- Clever visual gags and slapstick comedy, ensuring laughter for children and adults alike.
- A seamless blend of live performance and animation, creating a magical, immersive experience for the whole family.
A Festive Family Highlight
Arriving just in time for the holiday season, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show promises to be one of Manchester’s most joyful Christmas treats for children and their parents. As the city sparkles with lights and festive celebrations, Aviva Studios will transform into a wonderland of laughter, colour and creativity.
Families can escape the winter chill and step into Shaun’s playful world, where circus artistry meets the warmth of Aardman’s storytelling. The show’s mix of acrobatics, comedy and heart makes it the perfect outing during the Christmas holidays—whether as a special family day out or a magical introduction to live performance for younger audiences.
With affordable tickets, relaxed performances and a welcoming atmosphere, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show offers a festive experience brimming with imagination, laughter and togetherness, capturing the true spirit of Christmas in Manchester.
Touring Information
Following the Manchester performances, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show is expected to continue its international journey, bringing Circa’s signature blend of circus artistry and Aardman’s charm to audiences around the world, with further dates anticipated in the United States.
Meanwhile …
At the same time, Circa will also present another major production, Humans 2.0, which explores the dynamics of the human body and movement in a dramatically different vein. Premiering 1–3 November 2025 in California, the work comprises ten performers who move in harmony before descending into intricate physical exploration, asking the question: “Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?” The piece is described as intimate, primal and deeply connected to the challenge of being human—offering a striking counterpoint to the playful family friendly Shaun production.
