Croydon will come alive in July with For Miss La La, a spectacular outdoor circus weekend organised by Croydon Council and led by Upswing’s Artistic Director and Creative Director at The Albany, Vicki Dela Amedume MBE.
Taking place on 4 and 5 July, the free event celebrates the extraordinary life of Miss La La, the mixed heritage African German aerialist. Through powerful female-led performances, walkabout acts and hands on creative activities, audiences will experience circus in the town centre.
Developed in collaboration with artists from Flex Lab, a network supporting Black circus artists, the programme brings bold contemporary circus to the heart of Croydon. Audiences of all ages are invited to take part, with opportunities to try hula hooping, beginner acrobatics and enjoy creative craft sessions.
The weekend forms part of the borough’s wider celebration of Degas’ Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando, currently on display as part of The National Gallery’s Art On Your Doorstep programme, which is bringing world‑class artworks into public spaces across Croydon.
Born Anna Albertine Olga Brown (1858–1945), Miss La La was a pioneering circus performer renowned for her feats of strength. She is especially known as the inventor of the Iron Jaw act, suspending herself high above the ring using only a leather mouthpiece, and her remarkable story inspires this weekend of activity spotlighting new voices shaping the future of circus.
Across both days, visitors can enjoy a wide range of contemporary circus performances including aerial, acrobatics, juggling, tightwire, hula hoop and roller skating. The line-up includes Amanda Thompson, Farrell Cox, Bunmi Odumosu with Gordian Nnaemeka Chimodo, JayJay Divine, Jaide Annalise and Shane Hampden, Symoné with Inviktusdance, Travis Rabarijaona, Levantes Dance Theatre, Katy Kartwheel and, on Sunday only, Emily Odunsi and James Gill with a teeterboard finale.
Workshops run throughout the day, including juggling and manipulation, acro and aerial hoop, alongside arts and crafts sessions led by local artist Diana Phiri Witty. DJ Nubian Soul provides music throughout.
The programme follows a repeating rhythm of carousel and aerial performances, workshops, on stage circus acts and tightwire shows, with DJ breaks in between.
Vicki Dela Amedume MBE, Artistic Director at Upswing, said: “For Miss La La is a celebration of exceptional contemporary circus talent and the enduring legacy of one of the artform’s most pioneering figures. By bringing this free outdoor programme to the heart of Croydon, we are creating an opportunity for audiences to experience innovative new work from some of the most exciting emerging and mid-career artists working today.
“Developed in partnership with Croydon Council, the programme reflects Upswing’s commitment to supporting the creation and presentation of new circus work, particularly by Black and female-identifying artists. Inspired by Miss La La’s extraordinary story and the genre painting featuring her currently on display in Croydon, these performances honour her legacy while championing the next generation of artists who are expanding and redefining the possibilities of contemporary circus.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “For Miss La La brings a rich mix of creativity and performance into the heart of Croydon. This free weekend gives residents and visitors alike the chance to enjoy outstanding circus talent while celebrating the remarkable story of Miss La La herself. It is wonderful to see our town centre filled with activity, imagination and community spirit.”
