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Ringling Bros. circus returning next year without animal acts

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ringling bros circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, closed in January 2017, is making a comeback without animal performers.

Feld Entertainment has announced the return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s famous circus, with ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ set to debut in fall 2023.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, which ended its 146-year-run in January 2017 due to dwindling ticket sales, is making a comeback without animal performers.

‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ will officially launch in September 2023, visiting more than 50 cities across North America. Tickets go on sale in April 2023.

Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, revealed the production company is “innovating all aspects of the live show and modernising the franchise to create an engaging property that is built for today’s families and will last another 150 years”.

Feld Entertainment is “creating a lifestyle brand that connects with families and sparks real fun 365 days a year through live performances, digital content, consumer products, school curricula, youth circus arts programs and more”, he added.

‘The Greatest Show on Earth’

The company is searching for the world’s best performers to bring the reimagined show to life. Auditions are currently underway in countries including France, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Argentina and the US. ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ will begin rehearsals in June 2023.

For many years, animal welfare groups criticised the circus for its use of animal acts. PETA said it is “delighted that Ringling Bros. circus is coming back fully animal-free”.

“This move should serve as inspiration to other circuses to ditch all animal acts,” PETA added.

“We’ve spent countless hours conducting research, speaking with consumers and scouting for talent all over the globe to deliver an experience unlike any other,” said Juliette Feld Grossman, COO of Feld Entertainment and producer of ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’.

“‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, with its combination of thrills, artistry, comedy and whimsy, will bring generations of families together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Images: Feld Entertainment

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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