Circus-Theater Roncalli Ludwigsburg

Roncalli — Fifty Years of World Theater in the Tent

Since its founding in 1976, Circus-Theater Roncalli has been arguably Europe's most famous circus-theater brand. Its creator, Bernhard Paul, has radically rethought traditional circus: animal-free, artistic, theatrical, with its own orchestra and an aesthetic universe drawing from Art Nouveau, Italian silent film, and the lighting worlds of Federico Fellini. Roncalli pitches its historic tent in the major German cities every year — in 2026, from August 12 to September 6, at the Blühendes Barock event grounds in Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg district, Baden-Württemberg).

Anniversary Tour 50 Years of Roncalli

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Circus-Theater Roncalli. Founder Bernhard Paul emphasizes that the anniversary tour is not primarily a look back at past highlights, but aims to "open a door to the future." The program preserves the unmistakable Roncalli style — live orchestra, theatrical staging, classic ring format — while simultaneously embracing new choreography, young artists, and innovative stage forms.

The Ensemble 2026

The anniversary tour brings together some of Roncalli's defining artists with a new generation:

• Clowns: Housch Ma Housch (the Iranian-German Roncalli classic), Gensi, and Kevinski
• Acrobatics: Demian Gritsko Team and Duo Vitalys — both featuring spectacular floor and aerial acrobatics
• Special Acts: Alexandra Saabel as an illusionist, Justin Philadelphia on the Flying Pole (a vertical high-art discipline)
• Musical Direction: Roncalli Royal Orchestra providing live accompaniment for all acts

The Tent and the Blühendes Barock

Roncalli performs not in just any hall, but under its own historic tent — a classic four-mast chapiteau with around 1,800 seats, resembling an architectural work of art. The venue in Ludwigsburg is the Blühendes Barock, the historic park surrounding Ludwigsburg Residential Palace — an ideal backdrop for the theatrical atmosphere that defines Roncalli. The event grounds are only 1.2 km from Ludwigsburg main station.

Tickets and Pricing

The pricing is wide-ranging: Basic €16–€29, Premium seats €39–€76, VIP box €86 (Fridays to Sundays, weekdays slightly cheaper). Discounts are available for children (3–14 years), students, seniors (65+), and groups (10+ people receive a 20% discount). Orders can be placed via the Roncalli hotline +49 (0) 7141 14 290 10 or through the official website.

Ludwigsburg and the Blühendes Barock

Ludwigsburg, with around 95,000 inhabitants, is the district capital in the northern Württemberg region of Stuttgart and is home to Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, one of Germany's largest Baroque palaces. The adjacent Blühendes Barock has been a garden show and event park since 1954, covering over 8 hectares, featuring a fairy tale garden and a large event area that frequently hosts major events.