The Brighton Fringe is always a magnet for creative brilliance, and this May, The Ruckus by Revel Puck Circus crashes into town with a riot of aerial antics, punk clowning and big-hearted joy. Here are five reasons why this show should be top of your Fringe list.

1. It’s Circus, But Not As You Know It

Forget big tops and traditional ringmasters – The Ruckus reimagines circus as an inclusive, punk-infused party full of surprises. The show blends vaudevillian charm with high-energy contemporary circus, celebrating chaos, resilience, and human connection through performance. If you like your circus with a bit of rebellion and a lot of heart, this is for you.

2. Meet Nancy – The Queen of Controlled Chaos

At the heart of the show is acrobatic clown Arielle Lauzon, who stars as Nancy – your host for the most delightfully disorganised party you’ve ever attended. When the guests arrive too early, she’s thrown into a whirlwind of outfit changes, last-minute prep, and slapstick panic. Nancy’s journey is a celebration of glorious imperfection and the beauty of bouncing back when everything goes a bit wrong.

3. Expect Acrobatics, Balloons, and Brilliant Comedy

The hour-long show is a sensory feast: from human-sized balloons to hand-balancing feats, hair-hanging stunts to aerial sequences, the cast delivers moments of jaw-dropping skill with a wink and a grin. There’s also plenty of audience interaction and comedic set pieces that keep the energy sky-high from start to finish.

4. A Powerhouse Cast Breaking Circus Norms

Revel Puck Circus champions inclusivity, and The Ruckus is led by an all-female and non-binary cast who smash through old-school circus stereotypes with boldness and brilliance. This show isn’t just entertaining – it’s a statement about strength, creativity, and making space for everyone under the metaphorical tent.

5. It’s Part of Brighton Fringe – So Plan Your Day Right

Running from 16th May to 1st June at The Circus Yard (Little Puck), The Ruckus is a great family-friendly option if you’re exploring the Fringe. Whether you’re a circus enthusiast or just up for a laugh with some surprises along the way, it’s an hour well spent.

Book tickets here – and don’t forget, shows run at 1:00pm, so there’s plenty of time to soak up more of Brighton before or after.