Politics and Performers: The Election Circus Comes to South Leicestershire Amidst Life-or-Death Decisions for Local Circus

2024 General Election: Performers Dub Politicians Less Skilled Than Clowns Amid Electoral Showdown

As part of Sky's ongoing Bench Across Britain series, circus artists and audience members in south Leicestershire express that legislative outcomes are a matter of survival for their industry.

Residential editor @JasonFarrellSky

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 08:

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Politics pervades even the realms designed for escape.

Legislative actions taken in the halls of government may determine the very survival of the circus industry. Similar to other sectors, circuses are navigating a precarious balance between escalating expenses and financially burdened spectators.

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In our latest installment of the Bench Across Britain series, we stopped by a circus tent in southern Leicester where visitors attempt to escape reality for a little while, only to be met by Sky News reporters inquiring about their thoughts on the general election.

First up, we chatted with the entertainers: tightrope artist Ksenia Archer unexpectedly joined us on our bench, still fastened into her safety gear.

"She said, 'Our expenses have skyrocketed.'"

"Regrettably, our clients are also facing higher expenses. We haven't managed to raise ticket prices; in fact, we've had to reduce them to attract any customers."

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She also mentioned, "The concept of the circus originated in England, dating back over 250 years. However, without necessary assistance, we are at risk of gradually disappearing."

At Circus Cortex, the artists dazzle and terrify, hanging from cords, twirling overhead, and steadying themselves on unstable frameworks – yet their biggest fear is an audience that isn't there.

The sector has advocated for a reduction of VAT on ticket prices to 5%, similar to the rates in certain European nations, and as was temporarily implemented following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Circus director Paul Archer stated, "Politicians are unaware of our struggles: importing performers into the UK involves higher visa expenses, and we are also facing rising transportation costs. The circus sector requires assistance."

Beneath their costumes and makeup, performers experience the same everyday challenges as anyone else.

In the changing area, dancer Rebecca Peters mentioned she's being careful with her spending. "With the increase in costs, from groceries to commuting to London for auditions, everything has become quite pricey," she explained.

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The Circus Cortex big top is positioned in a meadow in southern Leicestershire, a stronghold among the top 40 safest Conservative constituencies, where a recent survey showed the Conservatives ahead of Labour by eight points. However, this was right before the prominent right-wing figure Nigel Farage made his entry into the fray.

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Despite his campaign in Clacton, the Brexit maestro might significantly erode the Conservative vote. Many spectators at the event appeared to have become disillusioned with the major political parties.

"HGV driver Denzil Furtado expressed his frustration, stating, "I'm completely fed up with the present government and that includes Labour. I believe they fail to provide anything of significance."

"I'm truly persuaded by Nigel Farage's recent emergence as a leader. He genuinely possesses the charisma needed for a prime minister."

Her colleague, software engineer Priya Fernandes, held a different view: "We should give the present administration another opportunity to demonstrate their true capabilities," she stated.

"Currently, inflation is decreasing – I believe they should be given another opportunity."

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Some members of the audience expressed their intention to abstain from voting, despite having specific concerns they wish addressed, including managing living expenses, decreasing taxes, enhancing support for single mothers, curtailing immigration, or bolstering public services.

Many feel their votes won't impact the outcome, leading some to make choices without much enthusiasm.

Program manager Margarita Grigorian stated, "I am choosing to support Labour as I prefer not to support the Conservatives, and I find the other parties too insignificant and feeble."

Recently, Keir Starmer asserted to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby, "I'm not running a circus." However, the prevailing mood in south Leicestershire suggests they are looking for a spectacle – a powerful figure, something bold and attention-grabbing.

When questioned about who the biggest joker was in the election, Mr. Archer responded, "They lack the professionalism to even be considered clows."

"You need to grasp the concepts of humor and timing – they seem to lack both, don't they?"

As we approach the final days before the election, the climax is upon us, yet voters appear puzzled, continuing to decipher the overall significance.

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