Family Review of the Great British Circus in Kuala Lumpur

Finding something new and exciting to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur can feel like a challenge, especially when you’ve already worked through the usual indoor playgrounds, malls, and family attractions. So when the Great British Circus popped up during our long weekend trip to Melaka, we couldn’t resist checking it out.

We went in with no expectations (just curiosity) and came out with huge smiles and happy kids. Baby S. even snoozed through the first 20 minutes before waking up wide-eyed at the lights and music.

Not long after, I saw that the circus will come to Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Jalil) this December and January. Since we had such a great experience, I knew I wanted to share this review to help other families decide if it’s worth going. And honestly, I believe it is.

In this post, I’ll share what the Great British Circus is all about, what our experience was like as a family with a five-year-old and a baby, and some practical tips you’ll want to know before booking your tickets in Kuala Lumpur.

A group of performers in colorful costumes entertains on a brightly lit circus stage, with flags and star decorations hanging above.

What Is the Great British Circus?

The Great British Circus is a touring show that has been visiting Malaysia for several years, bringing a mix of acrobats, clowns, dancers, and themed performances to different cities. Each year the circus has a new theme, and this season it’s all about “Under the Sea”, complete with mermaids, ocean-inspired sets, and a storyline that ties the acts together.

In Kuala Lumpur, the circus will set up at Car Park A, National Stadium Bukit Jalil in December and January, right in time for the school holidays. The tent will be located in a large parking area, making it easy to access whether you’re driving or taking a Grab.

You can check seating options and promotions directly on the official ticketing page.

If you’re still deciding what to do with the kids during the weekend or school break, the circus is a fun alternative to the usual options you’ll find in our guide on family things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

A performer does a handstand on a tall platform, surrounded by green and blue laser lights, with decorations hanging from the platform.

Our Family’s Experience in Melaka

We caught the circus during a long weekend in Malaysia, which made Melaka the perfect choice for a quick family getaway. (You can check our full guide to long holidays in Malaysia if you’re planning your own trip.) Since we were already in town, we decided to make the circus part of our weekend itinerary alongside our usual Melaka activities, many of which you can find in our day trip to Melaka round-up.

We booked the 5 pm Saturday show and were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t sold out. The tent had plenty of space, which made it easy to settle in with the kids. We opted for VIP seating to get a good view without paying too much extra. Instead of the front row, we sat in the second row, which felt like the perfect balance: close enough to enjoy the action without feeling like we’d be directly in the spotlight.

A woman, man, and two young children sit closely together in a crowded audience under a tent, smiling and looking toward the stage.

Throughout the show, the performers tried to involve the audience, sometimes bringing people up on stage. At one point, they asked Daddy to join the pirates for a segment, but our five-year-old wasn’t too keen on that idea, so he stayed in his seat. It added a fun, interactive element to the show, even if we didn’t end up joining in.

The atmosphere was welcoming right from the start. Performers greeted us at the entrance and helped us find our seats. They were also selling toys for kids, including baby shark balloons and light-up toys, which definitely caught our five-year-old’s attention.

When the show started, the energy and visuals were fantastic. Our five-year-old was completely mesmerized by the mermaids and acrobatic acts, laughing at the clown skits and watching wide-eyed as the story unfolded. Baby S even enjoyed it in her own way. After a quick nap, she woke up fascinated by the lights and sounds.

Inflatable purple octopus figures on a stage under colorful spotlights, surrounded by sea-themed decorations in a circus-like setting.

At halftime, there was a 20–25 minute break, giving everyone a chance to grab popcorn, drinks, or warm snacks, and for kids to eye up more souvenirs. One important thing to note: everything is cash only. We had only enough cash on us to buy bottled water, so make sure you bring extra cash if you plan to buy food or toys.

The second half of the show picked up right where the story left off, keeping the kids engaged until the end. Overall, it was a fun, family-friendly evening that felt like something special and different from the usual weekend outings.

A performer in a blue costume stands on stage while another performs aerial acrobatics above. The scene is lit with purple lights and colorful stage props.

Practical Tips for Families Visiting in KL

If you’re planning to see the circus when it comes to Kuala Lumpur, here are a few things to know:

Bring cash
Snacks, drinks, toys, and souvenirs are all cash only. We learned this the hard way in Melaka, so carry enough if your kids will want popcorn or a baby shark balloon.
No strollers inside the tent
Strollers must be left in the entrance tent. If that makes you uncomfortable, skip the stroller altogether. Since the circus is set up in a large parking area, you can park close or simply take a Grab (check our guide on how to use Grab if you’re new to it).
Facilities are family-friendly
There are toilets on-site and a small selection of snacks, drinks, and warm food.
Arrive early
Get there at least 20 minutes before the show to grab snacks, find your seats, and settle in before the lights go down.

An aerial performer hangs upside-down from a suspended hoop above a stage, surrounded by colorful lights, fog effects, and stage props in a circus-like setting.

Is It Worth the Price?

For us, the answer is yes. Here’s why:

VIP seating is good value
The price difference compared to regular seats isn’t huge, and the view is fantastic. Sitting in the second row gave us a perfect balance of being close to the action without feeling uncomfortable.
Entertainment for all ages
Our five-year-old was captivated by the mermaids, acrobats, and clowns, while Baby S enjoyed the lights and music. We had fun as parents too, which makes it a perfect outing that works for the whole family.
Promotions available
Discounts and offers sometimes run on the official ticketing page, so it’s worth checking before you book.

Overall, it felt like money well spent for a unique experience that stood out from our usual family weekend activities.

A group of acrobats in bodysuits perform a balancing act on stage under colorful lights, with one acrobat being thrown into the air.

Should You Go to the Great British Circus in KL?

If you’re looking for something different and exciting to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur, the Great British Circus is absolutely worth it. It has the energy, fun, and wow factor to keep both kids and adults entertained, and it feels like a special outing compared to the usual weekend activities.

With its family-friendly theme, lively performers, and engaging atmosphere, the circus makes a great pick for school holidays or a weekend treat. Just remember to bring cash, and to plan ahead for seating.

You can check the latest seating options and promotions on the official ticketing page.

And if you’re planning your October weekends, don’t miss our guide to What’s On in Kuala Lumpur in December, where we list all the best family-friendly happenings across the city.

Performers in colorful costumes entertain on a brightly lit stage with props and water effects in a theatrical show.

Other fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur with Kids:

B.Duck City Funs Carnival at Pavilion Bukit Jalil: Worth It for Kids?

Immersify Kuala Lumpur Review: Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?

MinNature Malaysia Review: Is It Worth Visiting with Kids?

About Marlieke Kemp-Janssen:

Marlieke is a proud mom of two—a newborn and a five-year-old—and, together with daddy, they love living in and exploring Kuala Lumpur. They’ve been based in KL for the past 3 years and still enjoy discovering new things to do. As well as being the founder of Kuala Lumpur with Kids, Marlieke is a digital marketing consultant who has helped small businesses grow through her company, Aureum Hospitality Advisers.