Running Away with the Circus: The Remarkable Story of Wales’ Radical Creative Movement🎪

What’s it really like to run away with the circus? A new book rooted in Welsh arts and culture lifts the curtain on one of the UK’s most daring and unconventional creative journeys.

Circus Rebels: The Inside Story of NoFit State by Stephen Glascoe, published this March, is a vibrant and deeply human account of how a group of young outsiders in Cardiff redefined what circus — and community — could be. Blending memoir, oral history, and cultural storytelling, the book offers a compelling addition to contemporary Welsh literature, shining a light on creativity, resistance, and the power of alternative lifestyles.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s Cardiff, Circus Rebels traces the origins of NoFit State Circus — now internationally recognised as a leading force in contemporary circus. What began as a group of university dropouts with a shared love of juggling and a desire to escape conventional life quickly evolved into something far greater: a bold experiment in living differently, creating art on their own terms, and challenging societal expectations.

For readers interested in Welsh culture, performing arts, and grassroots creative movements, this is a story that resonates far beyond the big top. Glascoe explores how circus can act not only as entertainment but as a form of political expression — a rejection of the “rat race” and an embrace of collaboration, community, and artistic freedom.

Drawing on in-depth interviews with the founders and performers who shaped NoFit State, the book captures the highs and lows of building a creative collective from scratch. From busking on city streets to performing on international stages, Circus Rebels reveals the determination, resilience, and sheer passion behind one of Wales’ most inspiring cultural success stories.

At its heart, this is a celebration of Welsh creativity — a testament to how local talent, when nurtured and given space to grow, can have a global impact. It also speaks to wider themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of the arts in shaping communities, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Welsh arts and culture.

Stephen Glascoe brings a unique perspective to the story. Having first encountered NoFit State at Glastonbury Festival in 1984 (where they taught him to juggle) he later became part of their extended creative community, performing in productions throughout the 1990s. His insider experience, combined with decades of reflection, lends the narrative both authenticity and warmth.

As interest in alternative lifestyles, creative careers, and independent arts continues to grow, Circus Rebels positions itself as an inspiring and accessible piece of cultural storytelling. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with a simple idea and the courage to follow it.

Energetic, insightful, and full of character, this is a story about more than just circus. It’s about Wales, creativity, and what happens when people dare to imagine a different way of living.

Circus Rebels: The Inside Story of NoFit State by Stephen Glascoe is available now in hardback.