Forget clowns and elephants standing on drums. The three circus shows coming to Brighton are a diverse mix of the bizarre, the quirky and the incredible.

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS, May 7-24, Costs £7-£25, Various start times: The Chinese State Circus is based on a 2,000 year tradition of acrobatics. As well as chair balancing, plate spinning and Plasticene-impersonating contortionists, this blend of Cirque de Soleil type tricks with a bit of Kung Fu action features theatrical performances where acrobats get into elaborate dragon and lion costumes to do ethnic dances.

THE CIRCUS SPACE CABARET, from May 16 and 17, Costs £10, Starts at 10pm: An original blend of acts such as ping pong ball popping, breakdancing, contortion and smooth rolling which claim to be funny, sensual, astounding and bizarre, all at the same time. Call 01273 709709 for details. For those who dare, there will also be workshops teaching such skills as juggling and tightrope walking over the main circus weekend from Fri, May 16.

GIFFORD'S CIRCUS, May 15-19, Costs £7.50-£12.50, various start times: Giffords aims to recapture the intimate, traditional village green atmosphere of the Thirties in a glamorous, mischievous way - featuring the likes of a Gaucho dance duo from Argentina, an acrobalance couple and the speciality prancing pony acts.

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