Silvers Circus, stalwarts of the industry, have reinvented their show to this year include life-size children's characters, but is it suitable for all ages?
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The Sesame Street Circus is parked in Shellharbour on College Avenue for the next month, and is most suitable for kids aged four up to tweenagers plus adults. Scroll down to find out why.
We have a two-year-old so opted to see the 10.30am session on Thursday January 6.
The crowd was filled with families like ours, but some with slightly older children and others with even younger.
What mum and dad thought:
We really enjoyed the usual circus acts that leave you feeling unfit and wanting to practice juggling with oranges when you get home.
Silvers is very much a family affair with multi-generations performing daring stunts on unicycles, silks, hoops and a scary motorcycle finale inside a giant metal ball.
My husband was a big fan of the dog show where an array of small and medium dogs did their best tricks for the audience, and even played a funny trick or two on their master.
What the toddler thought:
Miss G is one of Elmo's biggest fans. So when the furry, red being left the stage in between acts she was a little disappointed and kept asking after him.
As soon as Elmo - or Abi Cadabi, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie - returned, her little smile also returned and her hands clapped in excitement.
Miss G is in the one-nap-a-day club which usually begins around 12pm, so the excitement began to wore thin after intermission.
She did seem to stare in amazement at the different acts, the strobe lights on the ceiling, and had a dance to the loud thumping music.
Her favourite part was meeting Elmo at the end (part of the VIP ticket option) and also receiving a little showbag with a colouring-in/activity book.
Length:
The show runs about 90 minutes with an interval. It was running about 5 to 10 minutes late when we got there (not unusual for any show really), but a long time in the world of a two-year-old.
We did notice a lot of parents with toddlers and babies left about midway (some had their tiny tots asleep, draped over one shoulder).
Food:
Food on offer includes popcorn, pies, doughnuts, fairy floss - usual carnival-style cuisine. We brought a snack pack for Miss G as no-one wants a hangry toddler screaming the house down.
Overall verdict:
It was a great experience with finely tuned performances and the added bonus of kids being able to meet Elmo or Grover after the show.
I think it's best suited for ages four to 14 and adults (older teenagers may be too cool for sesame street).
There's a jumping castle you can buy tickets for during intermission or after the show.
It does contain strobe lights and loud music.
The toilets were the best portaloos I've ever seen, and super clean.
Adults need to be double vaccinated on entry and are required to wear masks during the show.
It does get quite hot under the big top, so dress in layers able to be taken off.
Tickets through Ticketmaster of can be purchased with the circus direct: 0413 880044
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO*:
- Prams aren't allowed into the circus tent, but there is pram parking onsite, which is located in the circus foyer
- There are food outlets on site selling a selection of hot food, drinks, popcorn, coffee and donuts.
- Tickets are purchased within a specific area (depending on price and view). Seats are not allocated, just areas
- There are no wild or exotic animals in the show. However, they do have a family of dogs to perform tricks on stage with their owner and his daughters.
- Gold tickets get a meet and greet with Elmo. If you are a VIP ticket holder, your meet and greet with Elmo is post the Show.
- Photos are $25 each and come framed. Photos can be taken with Big Bird in the foyer (Pre-Show) and with Cookie Monster in the foyer (Post-Show). Professional photos are $25.
- Under 2's do not require tickets. They are required to sit on their parents or guardians lap during the Show.
- There are no ATM's on site. Please visit an ATM prior to attending the Circus.
*FAQs as listed on the Sesame Street Circus website.
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Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
