THE thespians who frequent the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End are more used to seeing the likes of Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski tread the boards than a dwarf bouncing around inside a giant balloon.
That’s their loss though, because the families packing the venue off Leicester Square were hooting with laughter at the launch of Cirque Bererk last week – a theatre-circus spectacular with more than 30 performers that is running throughout October half term.
Cirque Beserk is a theatre-circus spectacular with more than 30 performers that is running throughout October half term in London’s West EndCredit: Jonathan Hordle
And Sun Club members can get an extra 10 per cent off if they book their tickets through London Theatre Direct, when booking via our Sun Club Promo page.
To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for for £1.99 a month then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and London Theatre Direct page or click here.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
It was quite something to see a group of acts usually found in big tops showcasing their talents in a old-fashioned London theatre.
Despite the smaller stage, we witnessed acrobats spinning from their mouths, men doing the limbo under poles of burning fire, motorbikes racing round a metal cage and a mesmerising quad of dancers in LED armour.
While there was a lack of a thread between most of the acts that left it feeling slightly disjointed, you can be sure the children in the audience didn’t notice it.
Despite the age of the kids ranging from around three years old upwards (although age guidance is age five-plus), their concentration was held throughout the show – even though it was long enough to merit an interval.
Of course they were – who doesn’t want to see performers juggling fire and shooting arrows through objects onstage?
This was also in no small part thanks to the man from the aforementioned balloon, who took on the role of a modern ringmaster.
Fans of Zippos Circus, who produce Cirque Beserk, may recognise him from Zippos travelling shows.
With a grin wide enough to light up any stage, he tied all of the acts together alongside a comedy robot, in a style akin to an entry-level Cirque De Soleil.
Which is essentially what this show is, a great starter show for families that is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the magic of both the circus and London’s West End.
Cirque Beserk runs every day until October 31, with tickets from £28.
Theatregoers witness acrobats spinning from their mouths, men doing the limbo under poles of burning fire, motorbikes racing round a metal cageCredit: Jonathan Hordle
And we have 10,000 FREE tickets up for grabs for Sun Club members, so you can enjoy the 150 rides and attractions inside.
The tickets, on a first come, first service basis, even include entry Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland in Partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity – a world made up of500 tonnes of ice and snow.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.
But how should you spend your time there?
Here’s a full rundown of what you MUST see from free things to do, to all of the new additions for 2026.
Last year, the attraction launched a free Santa’s Grotto experience, which is the largest free grotto in London.
Visitors will head on a journey through the new Elves’ Workshop and visit Mrs Claus before meeting the big man himself.
Of course, you can browse the German-style Christmas markets for free too, where there are dozens of chalets selling handmade crafts, ornaments, food and gifts.
In the Bavarian Village, make sure to head to The Bavarian Village Hall where there are often live bands, acoustic performers and Oktoberfest-style singalongs.
The atmosphere of the park in general is brilliant as well, with twinkling festive light installations, giant illuminated Christmas trees and themed areas.
Stepping into Bar Ice is as close as you will most likely get to experiencing an igloo.
The chilly cocktail lounge is kept at -10C and made entirely of giant blocks of carved ice.
Everything – I mean everything including the tables and chairs – is made out of ice.
And when you grab a drink, that will even be served in a glass made out of ice.
When you enter, staff will give you a coat and gloves to keep you warm too.
Inside, there are also a number of ice sculptures and neon lights illuminating the icy mythical creatures.
Each session lasts 20 minutes and includes one drink per person.
Tickets cost between £17 and £20 per person.
Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.
Best family activity
Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland, in Partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity is great for families and allows visitors to literally chill out.
Kept at -10C, this magical kingdom is made entirely out of ice and is a walk-though indoor exhibition.
This year the theme is the very exciting ‘Neverland’.
For the first time ever, visitors will step through the Jolly Roger and into a Magical Ice Kingdom inspired by the Neverland, with Peter Pan and Wendy.
All the sculptures inside will be hand-carved by ice sculptors from 500 tonnes of ice.
Many of the ice features are interactive too, making it the ideal place to snap some photos of the family.
You can explore the exhibition at your own pace, but I’d recommend no more than 30 minutes.
My visit last year I spent about half an hour in the exhibition before getting a little too chilly and heading back outside.
Last year, Jingle Bell Bistro also launched and it is a great food spot.
Not as busy as the other food areas, the Jingle Bell Bistro is designed to be more child-friendly with options including simple burgers and chicken nuggets.
Adults can get food from here as well, but don’t expect fussy food with all the bells and whistles – more comfort food that pleases everyone.
You can even get Buddy the Elf’s famous spaghetti for £8.50. Prices vary, including £8 per child-sized pasta dish or £12 for an adult portion.
How to save your cash
There’s a whole host of new pre-bookable packages too for this year.
There’s the Explorer Pass for example, which includes the Real Ice Slide, Haunted Mansion, Snow Jet, Pirate Ship and Après Ski Party Funhouse.
It also includes free entry to the event.
There’s also Ride & Game Credit pass, which allows you to buy credit for the rides and attractions online in advance.
You can select from £20, £30 or £50 of pre-paid credit.
Of course, this year there are more £1 tickets than ever before as well.
Ig you want to save your money on entry make sure to book online in advance for an off-peak entry time.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will run between November 19, 2026 and January 3, 2027.
Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.
How to get your free tickets to Winter Wonderland
To claim your tickets, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 a month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter.
Step 2: Go to the Offers Hub and select the Winter Wonderland page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes.
Step 3: Your unique booking code will appear on this page. Redeeming a code does not guarantee tickets. Click the ‘Copy’ button and then hit ‘Book’. You will be directed to the Winter Wonderland website.
Step 4: Select your preferred date and time, then choose ‘The Sun Winter Wonderland Entry & Magical Ice Kingdom Offer’. Two tickets will be added automatically to your basket.
Step 5: Continue to checkout to complete your booking. You must book your tickets by Sunday, November 1.
Our tickets are available for visits between Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, December 6.
18+ UK only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 10/10/26-14/10/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. 5,000 pairs of tickets available (7,000 off-peak, 2,000 standard & 1,000 peak) on a first come, first served basis. Subject to availability, daily allocation limits apply. Tickets available between 19/11/26 – 06/12/26. 2 tickets per person only. Non-transferable and non-refundable. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
