Circus-Theater Roncalli Recklinghausen

50 Years of Roncalli — The Anniversary Tour Opening

In spring 2026, Circus-Theater Roncalli celebrates its 50th anniversary. What began in 1976 as a vision by Bernhard Paul and André Heller in Bonn has become an institution of European circus today. For the 2026 anniversary tour opening, Roncalli has chosen Recklinghausen — a tribute to the northern Ruhr area, which Roncalli has visited regularly since the 1970s. From March 12 to April 6, 2026, the large white-and-red striped tent will stand on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, right in the Recklinghausen city center and only 700 meters from the main train station.

Animal-Free and Poetic

For years, Roncalli has consistently avoided animal acts, focusing instead on peak human performance: acrobatics, trapeze artistry, high-wire acts, juggling, balancing, aerial arts, and, above all, the famous Roncalli clowns. Instead of elephants and tigers, audiences experience state-of-the-art hologram projections that bring digital animals to life in the ring — an innovation that has caused a sensation worldwide for Roncalli. The staging is poetic, fairytale-like, theatrical; Bernhard Paul himself calls it “circus as a total work of art.”

The Program: International, Intergenerational

International top artists will perform on the stage in Recklinghausen. The clowns Housch Ma Housch (Iran/Germany), Gensi (Italy), and Kevinski (Russia/Germany) provide the humor. The acrobatic duo Vitalys and the trio Rêve deliver world-class floor acrobatics. Aerialist Justin Philadelphia amazes with aerial solos under the tent dome. The in-house Roncalli Royal Orchestra plays live — no recordings, but real music in real-time.

Konrad-Adenauer-Platz — Roncalli Within Walking Distance

The venue, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, is only 700 meters from Recklinghausen main train station, making it easily accessible by train for visitors from the entire Ruhr area. Parking is available directly at the square (for a fee: €0.75/30 min, free after 6 PM at the adjacent Erlbruch parking lot). Performances usually take place Wed–Sat at 7:30 PM and on weekends also in the afternoon — the exact schedule can be found at roncalli.de/Recklinghausen.

Tickets and Discounts

Roncalli prices are tiered by day of the week and seating category. Fri–Sun, standard seats cost between €15 and €26, premium seats between €38 and €81. Weekdays are significantly cheaper. Children (3–14), students, seniors (65+), and groups of 10+ receive discounts. Book online via Eventim or directly via the Roncalli ticket hotline at 02361 993 99 00.