Blackpool Tower Circus

In-house production (1894–1982) The Tower Circus opened on 14 May 1894, along with the rest of the Blackpool Tower. Clowning would usually include the resident clowns as well as regular guest appearances from other comedy troupes. On 3 November 1990, the circus ceased, and the final show saw ringmaster Norman Barrett joined at the end by Jimmy Buchanan (stooge of Charlie Cairoli) to throw a single red rose into the water-filled ring. They chose Tip Top Entertainmentsa company ran by Hungarian circus manager Laci Endresz Sr, and for the first few years David Barnesto operate the new circus from 1992. Endresz and Co initially ran the circus as three different short shows per day, each with different focusescomedy, magic, and global acts. In 1993, this became two different shows per day, and in 1996 the show would return to a single full-length show that would be shown more than once per day. Endresz Jr's Mooky was joined once again by Bubu in the clown act in 2008; with Bubu becoming Mr Boo, a White clown who acts as a straight man to Mooky. From 1993 to 1995, a Christmas circus was produced over December. Other shows ran by the Endresz family included circus-based magic shows on Fridays in the late-2000s, and fortnight-long productions in February for Blackpool's Showzam! festival from 2008 to 2012. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns in the United Kingdom saw the 2020 summer circus open in August, as opposed to the planned April, and close slightly earlier than planned at the start of November. The 2021 season also began late, with the first show running in late May. The circus has still not missed a season since its inception. Until it was discontinued, the circus-pantomime show ran from November until Januarywith the main season show running from March or April until early November. Laci Endresz Sr retired from producing the show in 2025, with the responsibility passing to Laci Endresz Jr and Bubu Endresz. == Resident clowns ==

The Blackpool Tower Circus is prolific for its tradition of having resident clowns, who return and perform there each season as the primary comedy component. They often perform at the Tower Circus for numerous decades and typically become local celebrities in Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast. Usually, there is one main resident clown, who is more often than not an Auguste clown. They are typically joined by other clownsoften a White clown, and or alternatively other circus figures (such as stooges or ringmasters). The resident clowns typically make repeated appearances during the show: While not the case in the past, the incumbent resident clowns Mooky and Mr Boo are also the main producers of the show and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the circus. Bubu Endresz (Mr Boo) is in charge of the aerial rigging and is the main ringmaster of the show, while Laci Endresz Jr (Mooky) is the backstage co-ordinator and stage director. Other clowns and comedy acts have appeared for single seasons. Some notable one off comedy performers include The Chuckle Brothers (1987), and Keith Harris with Orville the Duck (1999) == Arena ==

The circus arena is located immediately under the four legs of the Blackpool Tower. The current seating capacity is 1,350less than the original 1,500 due to adaptations made to fit modern accessibility requirements. Restoration of the interior took place in late 2021 to early 2022. A time capsule was hidden in the arena after signatures from workmen in 1900 were discovered whilst restoring the ceiling. The pens used for the animals still exist albeit unusedunable to be removed due to the listed status of the building. As well as hosting events, the arena has also been used as a filming location, most notably so in Valentino (1977) Funny Bones (1995) and ''Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children'' (2016). == Notes ==