The Big Top has closed down, and the clowns no longer have a tent to call home. Instead, they roam the island, and they bring a show to the Thorpe Park Dome, unleashing chaos.

The Big Top, as a scare maze, only lasted 3 years at Thorpe Park, from 2015-2017. The 2016 and 2017 versions in particular were a huge success and near-universally loved. For various reasons, the park were unable to bring the maze back for the 2018 season. However, they opted to keep the brand alive by means of a scare zone / show… The Big Top: Showtime!

Officially listed as taking part in the Dome, Showtime’s advertising was mixed between being both a show and a scare zone. In practice, it ended up primarily being a set of roaming actors who also did a show in the Dome, with a small stage set up in front of the Island Shop. The show would utilise the now-iconic Big Top music, and include clowns chasing the audience around the Dome.

Showtime was a simply concept, but it worked. With clowns being a common phobia, and having a lot of scope at a scare event, it worked to the park’s advantage to keep them as a roaming crew of actors as much as possible. They focused primarily on the entrance of the park, but did extend further beyond.

It’s fair to say Showtime didn’t live up to the Big Top name or brand, but added a sense of chaotic fun to Fright Nights 2018!