The traditional circus line-up of clowns, strongmen and lion tamers may seem somewhat anachronistic in an age of computer-generated special effects, yet the circus is very much alive with about 35 troupes still touring the UK.

Of these, one of the most prominent is the Moscow State Circus, which promises its new show is the greatest on Earth.

Among the cast of 35 are clowns, jugglers, trapeze artists and strongman acts, who push the human body to the absolute limit, providing breath-taking live entertainment in the process.

Among the award-winning acts are The Slavos, a springboard troupe who will perform a spectacular quintuple backwards somersault from the springboard - apparently the only act able to perform this trick.

Andrey Mikheev and the Bugrova Sisters perform aerial gymnastics and balancing acts that defy the power of gravity, while Evgeny Eskin's Sky Travellers have crowds open-mouthed with their mid-air trapeze work.

Vertigo sufferers will perhaps be most uncomfortable during the performance by Goussein Khamdoulaev, whose act features the highest indoor wire in the world.

Back on the ground, Russia's strongest man, Bakhrom Akhnazarov, demonstrates his Herculean strength while there's light relief from award-winning clowns Igor Vorob'ev and Andrey Mashonkin.

This all takes place in a purpose-built big top that has been specially designed to accommodate rigging for the aerial acts.

For anyone still unconvinced about attending, there's an extra incentive in the fact that, due to the introduction of new legislation, this might be the circus's last ever tour.

The new rules could force each circus to apply for a licence for every town they visit, at a potential cost of up to £35,000 a year.

Brian Austen, whose company, European Entertainment Corporation, owns Moscow State Circus, predicts that this could cause up to 80 per cent of British circuses to close. Catch them while you can!

Shows start 5pm and 8pm weekdays, 2pm and 5pm Sat and Sun, no performance Mondays, tickets cost £7-25. Call 07030 150150.