Circus Evolution was a UK-wide partnership of venues, funded by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund. The first project ran from 2013-2016, and the second from 2016-2017. The purpose of the initiative was to enable more venues to bring more contemporary circus to more people.

Throughout the project Crying Out Loud worked closely with Audience Agency and used Audience Spectrum to understand the audiences for each show, and existing databases at each venue were mapped and profiled to identify gaps in the market. Established audience development plans were augmented by Circus Evolution resources extending publicity activity to include door to door drops, telesales, outdoor advertising, commissioning bespoke local trailers, intensive social media campaigns, outdoor promotional activity and extending workshop programmes to year round activity. The programme of work featured engagement from local brass bands, performances which extended beyond the stage into foyers and open spaces, triple and double bills, post-show talks in French and a bespoke programme for Oxford Brookes University students.

Since its inception Circus Evolution has toured Pirates of the Carabina’s Flown, Company Non Nova’s L’après-midi d’un Foehn – Version 1, Barely Methodical Troupe’s Bromance, Circus Mayhem featuring Rimski, Jon Hicks and Company BettiCombo, Circa Tsuïca’s Opus 7, Attached by Magmanus, Gasp! by Circoncentrique featuring Nikki&JD’s Knot, Around and Super Sunday both by Race Horse Company and These Books Are Made For Walking by Bikes & Rabbits.

Circus Evolution members: Pontio, Bangor; The Civic, Barnsley; Warwick Arts Centre; déda, Derby; Seachange, Great Yarmouth; Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield; New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich; Hat Factory, Luton; Oxford Playhouse;  Lighthouse, Poole and The Lowry, Salford.