“The Great Moscow Circus hasn’t been in Griffith for many, many years and won’t be back for at least another five,” publicity officer Paul Johnson said.

“It’s a one-off opportunity for the people of Griffith to see high-tech, high-energy performing arts.

“Our shows are suitable for people aged two to 100.”

Locals are being urged to mark July 14 to 16 on their calendars. That’s when the circus comes to town.

Among the death-defying stunts is the “Globe of Death”, which features five motorbikes whizzing around in a cage at breakneck speeds in excess of 80km/h. 

“The split-second timing is inhumane, really,” Mr Johnson said. “To make things even scarier the globe splits in two. It’s unique to the Australian tour.

“One of the funniest acts is the man in the balloon and then we have Alfredo and Anya, the husband and wife knife-throwing act. It is hands-over-the-eyes stuff.”

Gone are the traditional exotic circus animals, with just some very clever miniature horses left.

“Our youngest performer is 13 and he is in control of up to six miniature horses that he gets spinning and waltzing,” Mr Johnson said

“They are predominantly Russian performers.”