First clown in space launches biggest show on and off Earth

Circus entrepreneur and the "first clown in space", Guy Laliberte has put on a show that was literally out of this world. The space tourist directed a performance dedicated to the problem of water shortages on Earth.

Laliberte's 'Poetic Social Mission' launched from the International Space Station united artists, politicians and activists from all over the world who spoke about the need for clean water.

“When I learned a few years back that a child dies every eight seconds because of contaminated water, I knew it was urgent to act," Laliberte said. “That is why I created the One Drop Foundation. The more I researched water, I discovered that it is at the basis of most social problems and at the heart of many humanitarian crises that face humankind: health, education, environment and poverty.”

The Cirque du Soleil founder acted as the master of ceremonies for the two-hour long performance that took in five continents and visited 14 cities.

Moscow crowned the list with a unique dance recital involving children, representing hope for the future.

The production costs for the show are estimated to be between six and ten million dollars – which is on top of the 35 million Laliberté paid for the trip to space.