Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, step right up to Bellingham’s unusual and delightful Vaudvillingham, presented by the Bellingham Circus Guild.
Performers challenge themselves for the enjoyment of their audience. Photo by Jorge Lausell.
With a combination of acrobatics, comedy, juggling, singing and dance, no two shows are alike by design. In fact, that’s one of the few rules for Vaudvillingham circus performances. Vaudvillingham takes place the 15th of every month, no matter the day of the week. The Guild presents two shows each night: A family-oriented program at 7 p.m. and a more raucous and bawdy program at 9 p.m.
A performance art piece from Vaudevillingham. Photo by Jorge Lausell.
While the Circus Guild’s website describes the shows as “uncensored,” I found the early show to be absolutely kid friendly. And there’s a comfy spot up front for the kids to lounge on mats and blankets on the floor during the show. It was a great place for wiggly kids that turn into sleepy kids by the end of the night.
Performers invest incredible effort developing their craft. Photo by Jorge Lausell.
And the show itself?
“It was amazing!” raved my 13-year-old. “My jaw was dropping the whole time.”
It was amazing. And amusing.
We laughed at “Frank and Beans” and marveled at the aerialist’s strength and grace as she twirled above our heads on swaths of fabric. We cheered the jugglers and applauded the dancers. It was all topped off by a trapeze act where three lovely “seahorses” twirled on an aerial carousel.
Vaudvillingham is a fundraiser for the Circus Guild. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $5-$10 to benefit the Guild’s mission to support the circus arts and delight the community. And don’t forget to bring some extra cash for the auction – gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses is auctioned off as an additional fundraiser.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out Vaudvilligham yet, mark your calendar for the 15th of next month and go. Don’t wait.
Vaudvellingham
at the Bellingham Circus Guild’s Cirque Lab
1401 6th St., Bellingham
Find the Circus Guild’s home just off Harris Avenue on the way to the Ferry Terminal.
About the Author: Hilary Parker
Hilary Parker is a writer and editor living in Bellingham. She and her children love discovering all that Bellingham and Whatcom County have to offer.