Behind the Scenes of ‘Kingdom of Kong’: Bringing a 30-Foot King Kong to the Big Top
When you walk into the Big Kid Circus this year, you’re greeted by something truly jaw-dropping – a 30-foot animatronic King Kong roaring to life under the big top. This towering marvel is the centrepiece of our latest production, Kingdom of Kong, created in celebration of our 20th anniversary. But what does it take to bring such an incredible creature to life? Let’s take a look behind the scenes.
A Showstopper 20 Years in the Making
For two decades, Big Kid Circus has been known for pushing boundaries – from nail-biting stunts to globe-spinning motorbike acts. For our 2025 tour, we wanted to do something unforgettable. The idea? Create a larger-than-life King Kong that could interact with audiences, increase the drama, and turn an already exciting show into a spectacle.
Engineering the Beast
The animatronic Kong took months of planning, designing and building. Working alongside special effects engineers and puppet designers, our team developed a structure that could be safely transported from town to town and assembled inside our travelling big top.
The result? A breath-taking animatronic puppet with moving eyes, arms, head and – yes – a ground-shaking roar. At over 30 feet tall, it’s one of the largest animatronic features to ever appear in a UK touring circus.
Behind the Curtain: How It Works
Unlike a theme park or stage show with fixed infrastructure, a circus must be mobile. That means Kong had to be built in modular sections – light enough to move, but strong enough to endure nightly performances.
Three skilled puppeteers operate Kong during each show, synchronising movement and sound cues with live performance. Special lighting and fog effects bring the jungle environment to life, immersing the audience in the heart of Kong’s kingdom.
Keeping It Safe & Spectacular
Safety is paramount. Each element of the animatronic is tested daily before the show begins. Our crew members have been specially trained in animatronic operation and emergency shut-down procedures to ensure every performance runs smoothly and safely.
Raising the Bar for Live Family Entertainment
More than just a technical achievement, Kingdom of Kong represents everything Big Kid Circus stands for – ambition, creativity, and unforgettable moments for the whole family.
Children gasp in awe. Adults pull out their phones to take pictures. And everyone leaves the tent talking about the experience. That’s the magic of live entertainment. That’s the magic of Big Kid Circus.
Ready to Experience Kong Up Close?
Visit www.bigkidcircus.co.uk to find tour dates near you and book your tickets. Don’t miss your chance to see this legendary beast in action – only at Big Kid Circus.
