Ringside! – Astley’s Amphitheatre and the Birth of British Circus

New exhibition telling the story of the original location in Lambeth where circus started over 250 years ago & how today’s mix of circus acts – with clowns, acrobats, and more – can be traced back to the trick-riding displays, sword work displays, rope acts and tumbling put on by Philip Astley in Lambeth. 

Posters & illustrations from Lambeth Archives Collection plus photographs and objects, curated by Charlie Holland, of some of the many circus families who lived in Lambeth but performed all over the world. 

3 March to 12 April see Lambeth council website for opening times 

Look out for details of curators' talks on Saturday 15 March, 2.30 with Charlie Holland and Thursday 27 March, 6.15 with Jon Newman