Flea Circus Acts

A new page has been added to the Flea Circus Research Library, a page of Flea Circus Acts. Some of the historic and more recent acts are examined.

Fleas in Amber?

Amber is fossilised tree resin and often contains small bugs or animals. Because these specimens are perfectly preserved they give us a view into the world of insects 50 million years ago.



Small flies and mosquitoes are the most common insects to find trapped in amber, but rarer finds include beatles or spiders. German professor and amber expert Wolfgang Weitschatt dreams of finding an amber nugget with a fossil of a flea hardened within the resin. Until now, there are only two such finds known in the world.



Buy insects in amber from the Amber Workshop
The legendary Amber Room in St Petersberg

Video Gallery of Flea Circus Performers

I've added the following playlist of flea circus videos that I've found to the Flea Circus Directory. Let me know if you've got a video to add or if you want to be added to the directory.

Flea Circus Performers on Video

Flea Circus London

Hidden in the depths of the Candid Arts Centre, Angel Islington is the "Flea Circus". Inspired by the combination of grime and wonder that the name 'Flea Circus' brings to mind and aiming to bring you the most exciting bands, the funniest comedians, the most brilliant poets, and anything else that'll stick if thrown at a stage!

Entrance is a tiny £3, and drinks a recession beating £2, so everyone's happy!

Flea Circus attracts crowds of 150 entirely down to the quality of the acts. Previous acts have been nominated for if.comedy awards, won chortle student comedy awards, been interviewed in the Guardian music section, and won poetry slam competitions.

The Next Flea Circus is: THURSDAY 17th December 2009

For more information, and to find out when the next one is on, visit www.fleacircuslondon.co.uk

A chance to own a microscopic piece of art

The London Evening Standard is running a charity Christmas Auction for Kids Company.



One of the lots (No 21) is a unique piece of microsculpture from Willard Wigan. The Scales of Justice is perched on a pinhead, and comes with a purpose-built, wall-mounted, magnifying display cabinet. Bidding starts at £5000 and the final sale price will go to support Kids Company.

Flaming Scottish Fleas

It's been a bit of a week for new flea circuses in the directory, the latest entry is Circus Maximus from Scotland.



Mamamia and Dr. Flea (Maria & Michael Start) present a traditional Flea Circus of 10 acts.

These two automata builders and experts have created a portable suitcased based circus ring with carosel, tightrope, fire eating fleas and a cannon for the finale.

Maria Fernanda Cardoso

One of the most famous recent flea trainers was Colombian artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso who travelled the globe in the 1990s with her flea circus performance. The Tate purchased her props and circus in 2007 and have it in their archives.



Her performances include:

• San Francisco Exploratorium 1996
• Fabric Workshop & Museum, Philadelphia 1996
• New Museum, New York 1998
• George Pompidue 1998
• Sydney Opera House 2000

The website has recently been updated with photos and videos of the flea circus.