Stroud man's childhood circus brought to life on stage

Harvey Aylmer used to put on circus shows on in his garden as a child, raising money for Cancer Research

A man who put on circus performances in his garden as a child is bringing his story to life on stage.

At the age of 10, Harvey Aylmer and his friends used to perform together along with his dog Coco, who he trained to jump through hoops.

His play The Ringmaster, the story of his circus passion, will be shown at the Cotswold Playhouse in Stroud.

Mr Aylmer said: "It's about the friendship and the different challenges within creating the circus."

The Ringmaster will be shown at the Cotswold Playhouse on 10 February

Mr Aylmer said his love of the circus started at a really young age, as he attended the local Gifford Circus from the age of 18 months.

"Ever since then, I've always loved going, I've always wanted to start my own."

Raising money for charity, My Aylmer said he then decided to put performances in his garden, which included a marquee which he and his friends had "covered with fabric".

"We got a tent, raised money for cancer research and put on a show every year for four years. My friends would do cartwheels,"

Mr Aylmer said he eventually left school at 16, joining the very circus he fell in love with as a child.

"I wrote the founder Nell Gifford a letter and posted it through one of their box offices."

Harvey Aylmer, who is studying at Bath Spa University, said he hopes to be a circus producer

Mr Aylmer eventually took up two apprenticeships and toured with the company in 2022 before deciding to head off to Bath Spa University to study theatre production.

It's there that he decided to write the play about the shows he put on with his friends in his garden.

"It's a story I've wanted to write for quite a while," he said.

"I love the story aspect of it, kind of creating a world where you forget about everything and that world you've created is the only thing that matters in that moment, and anything can happen in that world."

Mr Aylmer said his ultimate goal is to be a circus producer.

"I want to come in and add something different from what's already there in the circus industry."

The show is about the circus shows Harvey Aylmer put on as a child

Emily McDonnell, who plays a character called Olivia in the show - which will be performed on 10 February - said: "It was quite exciting to be honest. It's not something I've ever done before. It's nice of him [Harvey] to share his story with us."

"It's got joy, and it's also got a bit of worry about it," she added.

Scott Jerram, who is producing the show, said: "The play comes down to friendship really, and I think the relationships that Harvey has.

"It's his story. He's put a lot of trust in me to help tell it."