Overview
- The trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald reopened The Circus Live at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on Friday with a two‑hour show that reviewers called a triumphant spectacle.
- The 2026 staging restores signature elements from 2009 — a 30ft mechanical elephant, a 40‑strong troupe of acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists, pyrotechnics and large inflatables — while keeping the focus on the band’s hits.
- Setlists published for the opening night confirm the programme largely mirrors the original tour but removes Jason Orange’s solo numbers and adds the new song “You’re a Superstar” plus a surprise rendition of “Babe.”
- Support acts for the summer run include Belinda Carlisle and The Script with guest vocalist Zoe Birkett joining on performances to sing “Relight My Fire,” and four homecoming nights are scheduled at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium in June and July.
- The reboot trades on the 2009 tour’s legacy as a record‑breaking stadium show and the warm audience reaction in Southampton suggests strong commercial demand for the remaining UK and Ireland dates this summer.