Digby Brown backs Circus Starr show for disabled children

Digby Brown is delighted to support Circus Starr again this year with their latest production “Circus Starr Goes to Hollywood”.

Circus Starr host the free performances for thousands of disabled, disadvantaged or vulnerable children across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. These performances provide a relaxed and inclusive setting for families to sit back and enjoy the show.

This years’ show is inspired by Cecil B. De Mille’s epic circus movie The Greatest Show On Earth and features Andreea Delbosq – the UK’s only female clown.

Through hilarious hijinks and adrenaline-fuelled acrobatics the show tells the story of a madcap movie director attempting to turn his run-of-the-mill winter variety show into a blockbuster action film.

Circus Starr Goes to Hollywood even offers kids the chance to take part in the show.

How Circus Star inclusive performances help…Meet Harry

Last year Harry, aged four, attended the circus panto while going through the diagnosis process for autism. His sensory processing issues, fear of crowds and difficulty concentrating made family days out near impossible.

His mum Hannah revealed the Circus Starr performances helped build her son’s confidence like nothing else.

She said, “We went to a pantomime the year before at Christmas and it was disastrous! So I was a bit apprehensive about taking Harry to the Circus Starr panto. When we arrived Harry was running up and down the aisle and through the chairs unable to settle but no one batted an eye. If other places were this relaxed we wouldn’t have a problem.

“The show really captured Harry’s imagination. He re-enacted scenes in his living room to his family for months afterwards and he even said he would like to join the circus.

“It gave me more confidence that if a show like this could hold his attention for so long there will definitely be other things that he can do as well. We didn’t feel judged and Harry could really relax.”

This year the magic lives on with three new dates.

• Sunday 21st January – Portobello Town Hall, Edinburgh.
• Monday 22nd January – Marryat Hall, Dundee
• Tuesday 23rd January - Partick Burgh Hall, Glasgow

As part of this support, we have donated tickets to local Scottish charities for their members to enjoy the show at each of these three venues.

This year, we donated tickets to Bobath, Child Brain Injury Trust, Caudwell Children, Finding Your Feet, The Brae Riding for the Disabled and The Yard.

Director Neville Wilson at Circus Starr said; “We’re really grateful to Digby Brown and all our sponsors who help us make such a difference to vulnerable young people and their families. January can be a difficult month whether you’re facing financial hardship or feeling isolated because a disability makes going to mainstream events near impossible. We work hard to put the magic back and chase the winter blues away with an unforgettable, inclusive show combining all the thrills and spills of live circus with the convenience of accessible indoor venues across the UK.”

Kirsten Smith, Corporate and Social Responsibility Manager, said: “It’s a real honour to get involved with this project for a third year.

“Supporting disadvantaged children is something that matters to Digby Brown and we’re delighted to be able to get behind worthwhile projects like Circus Starr.”

Find out more about our work with Scottish charities or follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date.