A flea circus is a real circus but in miniature, "fleas" use tiny props to carry out all the acts within thecircus.
The history of the Flea Circus dates back to Egyptian and Roman times but was most successful during the 1600s onwards when these fascinating little shows were exhibited from small boxes or trunks in pubs taverns and at fairs.
Most Flea Circuses died out well before the 1940s and today there are very few left.
Fleas would be harnessed using a very fine wire whichis tied around the fleas neck to make a tiny collar, this is usually made from jewelers very thin gold wire and sometimes jewellers or watch makers were set the task ofcreating the miniature chariots and props for the fleas to use. (We make all our own chariots and props).
The most popular acts through the years might include.....
Chariots and 'horse drawn' style carts that are pulled by a flea. High dive - the flea dives from a diving board into a pool of water. High wire - the flea crawls across the wire to the other side with a prop. Sea-saw - the fleas ride the sea-saw. Trapeze - the fleas jump from swing to swing. A flea kicks a football. Flea cannon - a flea is shot from the cannon. Svensons are at the top of the Flea Circus tradition, we are experts in our craft and are passionate about our "fleas". Everyone has heard of the Flea Circus but few have actually seen one, its a show everyone always remembers!
SOME FLEA FACTS
A flea can pull up to 160,000 times its own weight!
A flea can lift up to 60 times its own weight!
A flea can jump over 150 times its own hight! If a
man had the same strength, he could jump over
St Paul's Cathedral. When jumping, the flea accelerates 50 times
