Circus meets cabaret in this one-off night to raise money for the Sussex Beacon.

Zippo’s Circus, which is at Hove Lawns until Sunday, has teamed up with the Brighton-based charity, with the hope of filling the 800-capacity big top with Sussex Beacon supporters.

On the bill for the adults-only show will be some of the circus’s top stars, fresh from performing their evening show at 6pm, as well as Brighton’s best-loved cabaret regulars.

Ringmaster Norman Barrett will be introducing the circus portion of the event, which includes the Konyot Clowns, trapeze act Duo Fusion and the fearsome Wheel Of Death performed by South America’s Los Marinhos.

Meanwhile Brighton’s own drag artiste Maisie Trollette will be bringing out the cabaret side of the show, featuring Samantha Howard, Lola Lasagne, comedian and magician Mandy Muden and Casio keyboard- loving crumble-maker Lorraine Bowen.

There will also be music from Brighton And Hove (Actually) Gay Mens Chorus, and Brighton alternative panto star Robert James as the Naked Singer.

“Trevor Pharo, who used to perform with Zippo’s Circus as Bingo The Clown, came up with the idea,” says Juley Ayres, the communications officer for the Sussex Beacon.

“Many of the acts taking part have supported the Beacon in the past, including Robert and Maisie.

“They are all really rehearsing it now, so it will be a tight show and a packed evening. There should be a great circus atmosphere, which is something we all remember from being children.

“But it should also have an edgy feel to it, with all the acts bringing their unique take on cabaret.”

This hasn’t been Zippo’s Circus’s only link-up with the Sussex Beacon charity.

Last week priest Father Jerome Lloyd walked a tightrope strung 80ft in the air over the top of the Zippo’s Circus tent while holding on to the shoulders of performer Chico Marinhos to raise money for the charity and highlight tonight’s show.

The Sussex Beacon is a clinical care centre which has been in operation since 1992, offering a range of services for men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

The money raised from the show will be helping fund all those services.

“People don’t realise the different services we have,” says Juley. “We have residential units, where people can stay for two weeks at a time, day care units which operate twice a week, and a monthly women and families service.

“Tonight’s event will be a bit outrageous, but a lot of fun.”

* Zippo’s Circus is open at 3pm and 6pm today, tomorrow and Sunday. Tickets start at £8/£6. Call 0871 2102100.

* Starts 9pm, tickets £15. Call 01273 709709 or visit the Sussex Beacon shop in St James’s Street, Brighton.