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INVENTION DESIGN FABRICATION
At Circus Architecture we see no border between art and engineering. We model, prototype, devise, design, fabricate, test, install and maintain medium to large scale sets, props and installations for the Live Arts, Culture & Entertainment industry. From R&D to logistics and rigging, we're industry leaders in the production of bespoke circus and dance equipment, and enjoy a wide range of creative and artistic endeavours.
TIMELESS
Giant hourglass for dance company Joli Vyann’s touring show. Custom-made modular truss cradle with rotating polycarbonate pods. Equipped with damping mechanism and brake.
VERA
A processional vehicle with a detachable section for aerial crane shows. Human-powered via giant hamster wheels. Integrated sound system, removable Chinese pole, and four-wheel steering.
AERIAL HEART
Giant aerial heart for Camp Bestival. The design allows for two configurations. Firstly for a circus crane show and the second as a ground-based artwork.
PUP
An art installation co-designed with a diverse group of participants from schools around Croome Court. Follow a trail of crystalline poo to discover this interactive, sensory space where families that may feel excluded from other settings can meet to exchange stories, share experiences, and have a day out.
HEADLINER VIGNETTES
Bespoke aerial equipment touring for four years aboard P&O’s new luxury cruise ship Arvia. Various live shows with professional circus artists performing on Chandeliers, Umbrellas, Spirals and Hoops.
GRIME
Exploding burger van for the theatre company Ramshacklicious. Animated set with foldable sections, pyrotechnics and meat locker. Packs down to single van and trailer.
WEIGHTING
Flying, spinning aerial staircase for the circus company Extraordinary Bodies touring show. Bespoke counterweight and rigging suspended from a goal post truss frame.
PARTERRE
Custom-made ground-based spinning double hoop with modular base for easy transport. Commissioned by Cantry Dance for their touring show 'Beauty and the Beast'.
WHAT AM I WORTH
Rotating, custom-made giant hoop for Extraordinary Bodies touring show. Includes hinged ramps/doors and perforated stage sections. Lockable in various positions via rigging line through stage.
ENTER ACHILLES
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DRAWN FROM WITHIN
Bespoke items for two of Rambert’s productions. Two trapeze bars for Enter Achilles and four stage-based rigging frames with retractable wires for Drawn from Within.
M-SHED
Design & fabrication of giant “M” for the Mshed museum in Bristol.
BESPOKE PROPS & AERIAL EQUIPMENT
Bespoke circus rigs, trapezes, hoops, spirals, aerial poles, and many more.
CUTTING EDGE DESIGN
We offer a professional design service including CAD, mood boards and story boards. Structural engineer’s reports issued on request. Third party load test reports supplied as standard for aerial equipment.
TESTIMONIALS
“Will Datson is alright and I don’t know anyone else.”
Jamie Beddard - Artistic Director, Extraordinary Bodies
“Circus Architecture created two bespoke props for us and are now our go to company. Not only did they deliver on time and within budget, but also consulted us on possible improvements to our requested designs and their ideas made a massive difference to the suitability of the apparatus. We can highly endorse them and will continue to recommend their services to our friends a colleagues.”
Luke Hallgarten - Artistic Director of The Revel Puck Circus.
“Will Datson has a fantastic ability to come into a creative, collaborative process and turn our shared crazy ideas into living things of beauty. A mixture of attention to detail, combined with the need for robust creations that can withstand the rigors of touring life makes Will the perfect designer to work with.”
Jack Stoddart - Ramshacklicious
“Will came highly recommended to me and from the minute we spoke he completely understood what I was trying to do and found a way to make my dream a reality. He’s a creative designer whilst at the same time being very technical and specific. He managed to problem solve issues around weight, structure, transportability and many other things which I wasn’t sure would be possible. He’s also extremely lovely to work with, patient and just very very good at his job. Could not recommend him more!”
Katharine Arnold - Circus Artist
“William brings all his experienced knowhow into the creative process. Small scale, large scale, in the air, in a field, on a stage, in a tent, on the ground and on water, he’s the real deal.”
Richard Headon - Artistic Director, Desperate Men
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