DEATH-DEFYING sky high daredevils, international illusionists and amazing acrobats are just a taste of the acts premiering at WOW Circus in Poole.

Gerry Cottle’s new-look circus troop will be performing 50 acts in 100 minutes to celebrate the world-renowned showman’s 50 years in the business.

WOW Circus is premiered this week at Branksome Recreation Ground and shows will run until July 22 on weekdays at 5pm and 7.30pm and weekends at 2pm and 5pm.

The audience can expect a mad mix of cabaret, carnival, comedy, magic and live music with show-stopping routines, including wizards on wheels and the whirlwind roller skaters.

Gerry said: “The show is really energetic with three or four acts all on stage at once, so the audience never know where to look. It can change massively from one day to the next.”

This performance marks 50 years from the time Gerry ran away from home at the age of 15 to find fame and fortune in the circus.

The showman soon expanded his repertoire to include stilt walking, bareback horse riding, fire eating and he even became a crocodile trainer.

After operating three big shows, including the Moscow State Circus, the Chinese State Circus and his own show, Gerry retired to the Wookey Hole complex in Somerset nine years ago.

Gerry said: “We all got really bored, so we started the Wookey Hole Circus School. The talented youngsters really inspired me to start up the show again.”

The new circus show is a real family-affair as three of Gerry's granddaughters will be performing, including 10-year-old roller-skating star Maddi.

One of the most popular acts is Cottle’s crazy comics, led by 24-year-old Bippo who also ran away with the circus, but unusually took his parents with him.

He said: “We had such an amazing time in Bournemouth last year and we’re all so glad to be back. We will be practising until midnight to make sure we’re ready.”

The ticket price ranges from £7 to £25 for the 1,200 capacity venue and more information can be found at wowshow.co.uk