Met Guinness World Record Holders For The Longest Circus Show!
8th May 2023 - New Experience Number 17.
Whilst we immersed ourselves in the magnificent temples near Siem Reap during the day, at night we were left speechless by some very flexible entertainers.
Delivering a night of thrills and thankfully no spills, we met the Guinness World Record holders for the longest circus show ever, as we watched Phare the Cambodian Circus.
Cambodian Circus With Purpose
Performing under the name of Phare, the members of the circus were all students of Phare Ponleu Selpak, which means The Brightness of the Arts.
This non profit school helps to improve the lives of children and young adults.
Cambodia has been through so much conflict which destroyed lives, devastated the country and wiped out the artistic culture. The school began in the 1980s as a form of art therapy for refugee children which then helped them to develop creative skills and find work.
Becoming Guinness World Record Holders
During the lockdowns of the Coronavirus pandemic their funding diminished. Like many other organisations, they needed to do something to raise money to survive and continue to help future students. So they attempted to set a World Record. To perform the longest circus show ever!
After a lot of planning and organising they were ready.
Almost a million people watched online as 90 professionals from the school performed. Entertaining the audience for an amazing 24 hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds, they did it!
Not only did they break the World Record, they also raised $150,000!
This meant they could continue to train and support new students, many of them having difficult starts in life who are now being given guidance and support.
Phenomenal Flexibility In The Cambodian Circus
Watching Phare perform was utterly amazing. An hour of impressive acrobatic tricks loosely tied to a local story. They delivered an important message with a comedic edge.
The first half built up the story and introduced the characters who did some spectacular tricks. Big screens displayed the words in English so we could understand the narrative.
The second half was edge of the seat stuff as the students delivered high octane performances that could really cause some injury! This was definitely a moment of Do Not Try This At Home! There was fire, there was a see saw, there was pole climbing and dancing, there were catapults, there were diablo skills and thankfully there was a crash mat. How nobody broke any bones or set fire to the tent is beyond me! They were highly skilled!
Musical Performers
Sitting in the dark for the majority of the show, yet keeping things moving at a pace, were the musicians. Seldom seen but just as important as the performers in the lime light, they played the accompanying music on traditional instruments.
Audience Appreciation
Taking a bow at the end of the show, the audience which filled the big top, gave a huge round of applause. The performers all took to the stage for photos with visitors. They were such a friendly group and seemed to love what they do as I sat amongst them. Exhausted, sweaty and full of smiles, they were pleased to talk to us and thanked us for visiting their show.
Meet The Cambodian Circus
Why not meet the Guinness World Record holders for the longest circus show ever if you are ever in Siem Reap? Whilst it’s not the highly polished performance of world-renowned productions such as Cirque du Soleil, it is a rustic and authentic show.
It’s a great sight and sound experience dappled with comedy and culture. Not only will you be entertained, you’ll also be making a difference. The revenue the circus generates financially supports Phare Ponleu Selpak school and helps to provide Cambodian artists with opportunities. A great night for a great cause.
Want To Try It Yourself?
If you want to try the exact same experience as we did, you’ll need to visit Siem Reap in Cambodia.
- There is also the Phare circus in Battambang in Cambodia which is performed by current students at the school.
Take a look at the Phare website to find out more or to book tickets.
We only watched the performance which lasted for an hour. You can make more of a full evening of it perusing the shop, sampling some of the snacks, or booking in for a three course meal.
If you’re not going to Cambodia, keep an eye on their website for any streaming performances you may be able to watch.
Take a look online to find any circus acts near you that you might like to visit, and check your local theatre for any upcoming touring shows.
Cost Of Experience
In May 2023 it cost us $18 each for the cheapest tickets which was just under £15. These were seats around the edge. We didn’t have the best view, but we didn’t miss out on any of the action.
- The most expensive seats with the clearest views (unless someone wears a big hat), were $38, equivalent to £31, and included a refillable sports bottle full of cool water.
- Tickets for children aged 5-11, ranged from $10 – $18
Recommendations
- If you usually don’t think the circus is for you, maybe give this one a go. There are no clowns doing slapstick, no animals performing, just very talented and impressive acrobatics. There was minimum audience interaction and you didn’t really have to engage with it if you didn’t want to.
- There are fans available to borrow as you enter the big top – definitely take one, it gets hot in there!
- Performances in Siem Reap happen daily each evening so should be able to fit into any other plans.
- Take your camera, but keep your flash off so you don’t distract anyone. I was so engrossed in it all I forgot to take any pictures!
- Share your experience!