Jake absolutely adores singing, dancing and dressing up. He loves the greatest showman and often dresses up as Hugh Jackman to recreate the movie.
Jake attends a special needs school where they give out the tickets each year. We always ask for them and have been attending for the past couple of years.
Jake has no awareness of danger or personal boundaries with other people. He can be loud, and not realise he is affecting other people. Jake constantly needs someone with him; whether that is to remind him about boundaries, guide and direct him, or to help other people understand the things he is saying.
We absolutely love Circus Starr. Every year there is something different. It is a safe, welcoming environment- curated by the cast and the audience. No one is judging you because your child is being loud, or crying. Everyone in the team is super helpful.
The performers were available, they came into the audience and interacted with everyone. Before the show, they helped guide us to the seating area. Although we don’t use it all the time, there was a BSL interpreter- which was lovely to see, as you don’t often get these at regular circus’ or other performances. It was wonderful to be taught a little bit at the end, as some of it aligned with the makaton Jake learns in school. The show was done in the light, which was good for children who prefer or need a relaxed environment.
Jake loves coming to the shows, he loves dressing up and pretending like he is a part of the show. We sometimes surprise him and don’t tell him where we’re going- every time he’s so happy when we get there and he finds out it’s the circus.
During the interval of the most recent visit, He took it upon himself to dance and sing in the audience, which I think further proves how much of an impact Circus Starr has had on him.
Jake loved meeting the stars as we arrived and as we left. He enjoyed having his photo taken with the starr squad. He really liked singing and signing towards the end- though I think his favourite act was the hula hoop lady. Jake’s Mum and I really enjoyed the balloon lady, she was so funny!
We’d like to say a big BIG thank you for the local businesses who support Circus Starr and make this possible. It truly is a circus with a purpose and having a space where families with additional needs children can feel safe and enjoy things they usually don’t get to experience is super important. We can’t thank you enough.
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