A SHOW filled with colour, music, humour and acrobatics will dazzle audiences.

Gandeys Circus opened its show at Frenchfield Sports Centre in Penrith last night and will run until Monday, after which the performers will make their way to Kendal for another weekend of spectacular circus shows.

Among the attractions is the daring space wheel, which sees two athletes simultaneously running around two metal rings, which are attached in the middle by more metal.

The metal structure itself is then spun around while the performers move inside and out of the two wheels.

Other acts on display include a Cuban acrobatic troupe, who perform the springboard and Russian bar.

One half of the impressive space wheel performance is 35-year-old Moldovan Vitalie Eremia, who has previously represented Russia at the Olympic Games.

He told the News & Star that the performance does not get any less scary - even after doing it for more than six years.

Mr Eremia explained: “It is scary every time. When we do it we can’t relax, even for one second.

“Sometimes it goes wrong, but I have had no serious accidents so far.

“Sometimes the straps break, the ropes break. You have to look out for one another to see if everything is okay.

“I love [the circus] it is my everything. I have been doing the circus for 20 years.”

Also featuring in the show is 49-year-old Chico Rico Morales who performs as the funny man (clown).

Mr Morales said: “My favourite part is when I make everybody smile, that is the best thing for a clown or performer.

“When they start laughing they forget their problems. When you see them smiling, that is the best moment for any act to have.”

He added: “This year we have a good mix of acts.

“This is for all ages, not just youngsters and children, it is for everyone from age one to 100. I know they will have a fantastic time.”

Shows take place at the following times:

  • Saturday – 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm
  • Sunday – 2pm & 5pm
  • Monday – 12 noon & 3pm

Tickets are available at www.gandeyscircus.com.

They cost between £14 and £34 for adults, and from £10 to £26 for concessions.

Alternatively, they can be bought from the ticket office next to the big top.