The Archive of Variety, Circus and Cabaret
Our growing archive is dedicated to the history of travelling artists and live entertainment. Explore shows, acts, and performers who brought laughter, wonder, and music to audiences across Europe and the world.
What You'll Find
Step into centuries of appaluse, laughter and light!
Shows & Playbills
Browse detailed records of performances across Europe - from cosmopolitan nightclubs to rural fairgrounds.
Acts & Performers
Trace the lives and legacies of acrobats, comedians, singers, dancers, illusionists and more!
Enterprises & Troupes
Follow the history of travelling companies and houses that shaped the taste and world view of masses.
Visual Treasures
View digitised posters, playbills, and rare visual materials from public and private collections.
See the Living Network of Entertainment History
Follow entertainers through time and space!
Recently Added Shows
We Provide
Full access to a growing network of performers, venues, and productions
Tools to explore, filter, and trace connections across time and space
Sources for stories of women and BIPOC performers, queer acts, and working-class entertainment
Research notes, links and references for articles and essays
The chance to support a living, growing cultural resource
Support us and let's make history together!
Do you have show documents in any language which we can use on the site? Contact us!
Make a one-time or recurring donation to help keep the archive growing and accessible. Your contribution can help us digitise more shows as well as developing new features of the site. Help us to preserve and rediscover lives, stories and art that would otherwise fade!
Make a one-time or recurring donation to help keep the archive growing and accessible. Your contribution can help us digitise more shows as well as developing new features of the site. Help us to preserve and rediscover lives, stories and art that would otherwise fade!
Motto: “No stage too small, no gift too small.”
Start Exploring!
Dive into a world of artists and stories waiting to be rediscovered and shape the future of cultural history!