By Nangamso Mabindla
6 April 2005

ROLL UP! Roll up! The circus is coming to town. East Londoners are bracing themselves for a hot four days when Great Moscow Circus fever hits the city.

More than 70 performers from a range of countries, including Russia, Spain and Mexico, will thrill the crowds in the 2 500-seater colourful Big Top tent - expected to be packed to capacity at every show - from Thursday, April 7. Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban have already been touched by the circus magic and now, for the first time, East London will get to see what the fuss is all about.

From East London the circus will move to Port Elizabeth.

Fred Hunter, the executive producer of the Great Moscow Circus, says East Londoners should brace themselves for some breath-taking, heart-stopping moments. "The show captures all the fun of the circus of yesteryear, with the skill of and daring of today's circus heroes."

Preparations for the performances are already under way and labourers are working tirelessly to erect the huge, air-conditioned Big Top tent. It is 46 metres in diameter and a towering 20 metres tall. Hunter says the tent was built especially for the South African tour.

However, for the audience what will happen inside the tent is more important; and the show will not disappoint. Award-winning performers from Monte Carlo's famous International Circus Festival, and daredevils from Mexico, Spain and other European countries, acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns and tigers (and other attractions) will have you begging for more.

To make sure you catch the action, book online at www.computicket.com or telephone 083 915 8000. Tickets range in price from R100 to R240 for adults, and from R55 to R140 for children under 12.