Two circuses compete for audiences in tromsø during pentecost

Two circuses, Cirkus Merano and Cirkus Agora, are competing for audiences in Tromsø over the Pentecost weekend, a situation that has prompted warnings of confusion among ticket buyers, Dagbladet reports.

Fredrik Myhre of Cirkus Merano told the newspaper he was surprised to find both circuses in the city at the same time. “When we got confirmation that we could set up at Mandelasletta, we had no indication that Agora would be here as well,” he said, adding that he expects people may turn up at the wrong venue because many think of circuses generically.

Mandelasletta is a large flat area in Tromsdalen often used for concerts and events.

Jan Erik Smørdal, director of Cirkus Agora, took a different view, describing the overlap as a positive development. “In many ways, it becomes a little circus festival in Tromsø this weekend,” he said. Agora is set up at Skattøra on the island of Tromsøya, which Smørdal called an ideal location, especially with the Tromsø Bridge currently closed.

Smørdal also noted that Merano was closed down in 2014 and its return was not something he could control. Myhre acknowledged the situation could benefit both, but stressed the importance of ticket sales. “It costs to run a circus,” he said, though he reported strong advance sales.

Both circuses highlighted their unique draws. Smørdal emphasised Agora’s long experience and reputation, calling it “the Bodø/Glimt of circuses,” with a focus on magic and animals, including horses. Myhre pointed to Merano’s history in northern Norway and modern facilities, saying many people have childhood memories of the show.

Tags: circus, Tromsø, entertainment