Circus Rebels

What’s it like to run away with the circus? Cardiff, Wales, 1983. A bunch of university dropouts and unemployed hippies find themselves united by two things: a talent for juggling and a desire to live a different kind of life. They decide it might be fun to juggle their way out of the rat race by founding a circus, which they call ‘NoFit State’. How does this group grow from its lowly origins as buskers on the city streets to become one of the most admired and respected contemporary circuses in the world? Stephen Glascoe, a member of NoFit State’s amateur community group ‘Splott State Circus’, takes us behind the scenes of the drama, stress and joy of a radical modern circus. Based on in-depth interviews with the founders of the circus and many others who have been part of its history, Circus Rebels charts the challenges and triumphs of underdogs turned Welsh creative powerhouse.

At its heart, this is a celebration of Welsh creativity – a testament to how local talent, when nurtured and given space to grow, can have a global impact. also speaks to wider themes of identity, belonging and the importance of the arts in shaping communities, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Welsh arts and culture ... an inspiring and accessible piece of cultural storytelling. Energetic, insightful and full of character, this is a story about more than just circus. It’s about Wales, creativity and what happens when people dare to imagine a different way of living.