The famous “Circus at Vernadsky Prospect” in Moscow is preparing a brand new programme called “Around the World in 130 Minutes”. From September 21, children and grown-ups alike can experience a Brazilian carnival, take part in a ro

Animals take centre stage in the new programme. There are performing lions, of both the sea and jungle variety.   And while they're still in rehearsals, the circus is waiting to welcome camels and Argentinian parrots.

While safety is paramount, circus trainer Nikolay Timchenko insists sea lions are absolutely harmless: “They are trained especially to perform to children. Five-year-old kids come to feed and caress them, sometimes we organise excursions backstage after the show”.

Which is not the case with their distant cousins – African lions.

Circus artists training for the ice show

“You have to spin around all the time. My husband is watching half of the animals, I am watching the others. You need to have everything under control not to get into trouble. Up to now everything has been all right,” says tamer Veronika Pinko.

The show starts with an ice-skating exhibition. This time by humans: Oleg Ananiev and his daughter Vlada, from a famous circus dynasty, present a programme combining elements of  acrobatics and figure skating.

The show's creators say the special effects will be spectacular, featuring rain pouring from the circus dome to fountains and a spectacular laser show.

Organisers hope to keep audiences enthralled as they take a 130-minute trip around the world.