I have only ever been to the circus once, as a child. It was at a funfair in a classic red tent, and I remember only a creepy clown and a ringmaster in a big hat.

But the modern day circus has undergone a rebranding, and at the forefront of this revolution are the East London-grown Revel Puck Circus.

I’m here on the first night of their brand new production, A Glimmer Daze Gambit, at the very start of their upcoming 200-day UK tour. Arriving at the pop-up Chapiteau tent, pitched in the Olympic Park inside a ring of caravans, there’s the lingering smell of popcorn and that buzz of first-night energy.

The show follows two main characters, Stella and Kit, as they arrive at the circus and try to make it as performers. Acting as light relief between the different acts, their mime-like, clownish encounters do a good job of engaging the audience and offering a change of rhythm.

But the main events are what we really came for, and this young, dynamic group features a range of truly talented performers; a collective of grassroots London-based and international artists from Argentina, the USA, Ethiopia, and Canada.

The Revel Pucks describe themselves as ‘punk’, embodying a proudly DIY attitude. They certainly lean into a more stripped-back vibe than you might expect, wearing casual clothing instead of sequins and top hats.

The first act showcases some of this spirit, with a duo launching high into the Big Top off a homemade-looking teeterboard - serving as a high-energy icebreaker that sets the tone for the night.

Instead of traditional circus oompah, the soundtrack is packed with classic bangers that have the audience headbopping, including ‘Can’t Stop’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Florence and the Machine’s epic ‘Dog Days Are Over’.

Following a striking and impressive solo aerialist, the aerial cradle duo become the emotional heart of the set. Watching the catcher swing the flyer across the length of the Big Top with nothing but raw grip and trust proves enough to make one of my young guests shed a tear!

The real crowd-pleasers, however, are the group acrobats. Electric under the neon lights, they bring a cheeky, high-energy presence to the stage and encourage the audience to make some noise.

The night’s funniest moment is the tongue-in-cheek ‘daredevil’ stunt - a satirical, high-stakes build-up that sees a performer wobbling a tiny, child-sized bike through a flaming hoop - proving that you don’t need a high-budget special effects department to entertain.

Other highlights? A solo cloud swinger, and some light audience participation that keeps the pacing on track, plus the biggest group stunt, involving several members balancing atop a plank on a large red ball, before the show closes with a duo Cyr Wheel performance and an ensemble final dance to the party classic ‘99 Red Balloons.’

There are a couple of not-so-polished moments, but for a first preview, the rough around the edges feel only adds to the DIY charm. The Revel Pucks have proved to us that you can create magic with just a thick rope, a bit of neon, and a lot of heart.

This is the future of the big top - and it’s open to everyone.