Circus Maximus - South Bank

Not just a circus show, but a circus competition in which 20 of the UK’s hottest, most gravity-defying, health and safety flouting acts will be performing not just for your entertainment, but a prize of £5000 and a chance to develop a show with Udderbelly. So it’s high stakes. Fire-breathers, tightrope walkers and all manner of watch-through-your-fingers acts will be competing for your votes and a place in the final five. 

£15.50, May 10-June 1, various times. 
Udderbelly, SE1 8XX  
Tube | Waterloo  
facebook.com/circusmaximusuk

Falling Up - North London

All-female group Mimbre have toured internationally with Falling Up – retooled slightly for this Gothic church venue – fusing acrobatics, theatre and dance.

£10, Jun 19, 8pm 
269a Archway Road, N6 5AA  
Tube | Highgate  
jacksonslane.org.uk

Cirque du Cabaret - South Bank

This show floored the crowds and enjoyed a sell-out run in the Spiegeltent as part of last year’s Wonderground, as well as a residency at London’s prestigious burlesque house Pigalle. 

Back this year for a short five-night run only, this is sure to be in popular demand, so get in quick to avoid missing the burlesque, comedy and circus genius that makes up each one-off presentation. Saw it last year? You can keep coming back – no two shows are ever the same!  

May 31, Jun 28, Jul 19, Sep 20 & 28. 10.45pm  
London Wonderground, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX  
Tube | Waterloo  
londonwonderground.co.uk

The Tiger Lillies: Live in concert - South Bank

Inspired by pre-war Berlin and the spikier side of Seventies punk (with some suitably ghoulish Gothic overtones, to boot), alt-cabaret superstars the Lillies are not for the faint of heart. Macabre, mysterious and full-on mental, their three shows are ones not to miss this summer …  if you can hack it! 

£17.50, Jun 7-9, 9.15pm 
London Wonderground, SE1 8XX  
Tube | Waterloo  
londonwonderground.co.uk

Burlesque or Bust - West End

Cabaret and burlesque star Sapphira and her Showgirls (below) have been on Australia’s Got Talent and sold out Melbourne’s Red Bunnies. They now bring their show – about their search for ‘heartthrob’ Richard Branson, who is a big fan of the gals – to London. 

£15, May 26, 5pm Madame Jojo’s, 
8-10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SE  
Tube | Leicester Square  
madamejojos.com