REVIEW - SHAUN THE SHEEP’S CIRCUS SHOW | AVIVA STUDIOS | 30/12/2025

SHAUN THE SHEEP’S CIRCUS SHOW AT AVIVA STUDIOS – WOOLLY CHAOS, CIRCUS THRILLS & FAMILY FUN

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show brings the much-loved Aardman character from screen to stage in a collaboration with Australian contemporary circus company Circa. Originally created in Brisbane, this production now makes its European première in Manchester at Aviva Studios.

True to the TV series, the show is completely non-verbal, relying on physical comedy, visual storytelling and music rather than dialogue. That makes it instantly accessible for families and younger audiences, while remaining faithful to Shaun’s signature humour and style.

The show opens with the Farmer attempting to set up his brand-new television, only to be met with a series of technical mishaps. When the satellite cable is accidentally cut during some woolly chaos, Shaun and the flock decide the best solution is distraction — by creating their own “TV shows” and, ultimately, a circus performance to stop the Farmer realising what’s gone wrong.

The first half focuses on introducing the familiar characters through short, playful sketches. Shaun, Timmy, Shirley, Bitzer, the pigs and even the bull all get their moment, allowing the audience to settle into the world. Leo particularly loved the paper aeroplane sequence, where a thrown plane appears to fly into the on-stage screen and becomes stuck in a tree, prompting the sheep to climb over one another to retrieve it — a moment that perfectly blends screen animation with live performance.

The second half shifts towards the full “circus show” concept, with a clearer narrative thread as Shaun and friends attempt to keep the Farmer entertained and unsuspecting.

The set is one of the show’s real highlights. A large sloping grassy hillside dominates the stage, allowing performers to slide, roll and scramble with ease. Built into the hill is a cut-out window that lights up to reveal the Farmer sitting in his living room watching TV — a clever visual device that adds depth and humour, especially on the vast Aviva Studios stage.

Above this sits a miniature farm landscape, and a large movable screen is used throughout to show animation, live camera feeds and visual gags. While the screen is sometimes more prominent in the second half, its integration is at its best when physical props interact directly with the projected imagery.

Lighting is subtle and well judged, never overpowering the action, while the music closely mirrors the tone of the TV series, helping to set the rhythm and mood of each scene without becoming overwhelming — something that worked particularly well for my children.

Costumes are bright, playful and instantly recognisable, making it easy for young audience members to identify who’s who. Alice loved the slapstick comedy throughout, especially moments where the Farmer is knocked out by a plank of wood, loses his glasses and clumsily searches for them, even slipping off the edge of the stage — classic physical humour that had her laughing out loud.

The acrobatics are impressive throughout. Aerial ribbon work, trapeze routines, balancing sequences and juggling are woven into the action, with the second half delivering the biggest gasps. Alice particularly enjoyed the pigs on the trapeze, while Leo was completely captivated by the sheep balancing on a see-saw — moments that showcased both skill and playful storytelling.

The ensemble cast work seamlessly together, communicating emotion, character and comedy using nothing but movement, timing and expressive animal noises. Their synchronisation is consistently impressive, especially during group sequences that rely on precise physical coordination.

Each performer fully commits to the physical demands of the show, whether through slapstick chaos, tender character moments or high-risk acrobatics, managing to hold the attention of both children and adults without a single spoken word.

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show is a joyful, visually inventive family production that successfully blends circus skills with Aardman’s signature humour. While the structure feels slightly unbalanced between the two halves, the creativity, accessibility and sheer talent on display make this an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Both Alice and Leo were fully engaged from start to finish — Leo excitedly reacting to the visual gags and acrobatics, and Alice laughing throughout at the slapstick comedy. It’s funny, warm and refreshingly gentle, proving that a family show doesn’t need to be loud or over-stimulating to be captivating.

This is something a little bit different: part circus, part physical theatre, and unmistakably Shaun the Sheep. A fun, family-friendly outing that we’d happily recommend.

“A baa-rilliant blend of circus, slapstick and Shaun-style chaos — we laughed, gasped, and left with very happy little lambs.”

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show will be at Aviva Studios until Sunday, 4th January 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.

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Photo Credit - Prudence Upton