Audacious Mr Astley

Meet the man who invented circuses! From cavalry hero to circus founder, Sergeant-Major Philip Astley is the real Greatest Showman, telling first-hand of the dawn and spread of circus from simple beginnings in London 250 years ago when he and his wife presented their trick-riding on an open field, then took their new entertainment to the royal courts of Europe.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar. Venue 33