Spectacular stunts and a homegrown star are taking centre stage as Jay Miller’s Circus begins its latest summer run on the Isle of Wight.
Having first opened in Hampshire in March 1987, the circus has been visiting the Island since 1989 and has only missed 1 iteration – the COVID-19 hit summer of 2020.
Founder Jon and his wife, Liz, tour the United Kingdom with their circus family for around 7 months of the year.
Initially set to be called Miller’s Circus, it was a misheard telephone conversation that led to the name Jay Miller’s.
Performers from all across the world have graced the Jay Miller’s ring, including acts from Hungary, Ethiopia, China, Kenya and Mongolia. The current touring team consists of 32 members of cast and crew.
One of those cast members is 18-year-old Islander and trapeze artist Beau Wheeler, who began her gymnastic journey aged 12. Following a stint at London’s AirCraft Circus Academy, Beau joined Jay Miller’s at the start of the season after approaching Jon and Liz following a performance in the summer of 2024.
On opening night (Saturday 26th July), more than 30 of Beau’s family came to see the show. She said:
“It was amazing to have everyone here, they were really loud, for everyone and not just me.
“Before I go out there I get quite nervous, but once I’m on that trapeze it’s like nothing else matters, whether it’s just adrenalin or not, it’s amazing.”
Liz is in charge of recruiting the performers and putting the show together, whilst Jon looks after the logistics of running a travelling circus. Jon recalled receiving hoards of VHS tapes from wannabe performers back in the days before social media and YouTube.
Though most would say Jay Miller’s Island ‘home’ has always been at Circus Field off Racecourse Roundabout, they initially pitched up all over the Island on sites in Freshwater, Newport, Ryde and Yaverland.
Jon said:
“We used to travel around the Island but we realised eventually that people would travel to us wherever we set up – we didn’t need to go anywhere.”
In all their years visiting the Island, Jon says the busiest summer was a few years ago in 2021, when post-COVID-19 travel restrictions abroad meant staycations were immensely popular.
Although many things have changed over the years, including the use of circus animals and other safety and technological advancements, Jay Miller’s always strives to offer ‘fun for all the family’ – something Jon says is the key to a great circus performance. He said:
“When you get that buzz in the crowd, you just can’t beat it. When kids and adults are engrossed, staring at the performers. A great show is something for everyone watching.”
When asked what makes the Isle of Wight crown different to anywhere else, Jon said:
“It’s the people – we had a man in a few nights ago who said his daughter had just come back the Island to visit and the first thing she said was ‘I want to go to the circus. Some people we see have been coming for years.
“We travel all around, but the Isle of Wight crowd is definitely one of the loudest.”
Jay Miller’s Circus is performing throughout the summer until Sunday 31st August. To book tickets, click here.
