KILLER clowns are being booted out of Swindon with the arrival of Circus Funtasia which set up next to the Oasis this week.

With the recent killer clown craze gripping the nation the circus admitted people have been wary about clown acts in the show.

“On social media, people have been wondering whether or not they should come in case there is a scary clown that will frighten their children, so we have definitely felt an impact," said Rosie Clarke from the company's marketing department.

But there is nothing to be scared about at Funtasia.

“Our clown isn’t dressed in the traditional way – with a red nose and oversized shoes. He is dressed in a more contemporary fashion because of the way clowns have been portrayed in the media and through horror movies,” said Rosie.

Wednesday night saw the first of a two week run of performances by the troupe who wowed crowds with jaw-dropping tricks and gravity-defying stunts.

On Thursday morning, the Adver was invited to watch rehearsals and get up close and personal with the fire-eaters, jugglers and swashbucklers that bring the show to life.

“Last night was an absolutely fantastic show," said Rosie. "You never know what it’s going to be like when you come to a new town, but we had a really good response from people.

“The audience was very loud and very keen to clap and cheer, which is great for the performers.”

Wednesday night was the group’s first performance in Swindon and they will be here until the end of the month.

Audiences can expect the very best in professional clowning around, from juggling on the back of a Harley-Davidson to the infamous Wheel of Death – a giant spinning hamster wheel with two people inside performing mesmerising tricks.

Rosie described the show as “a modern act that is quite fast paced”.

She said: “Acts come on immediately after one another which means people get a lot more for their money”.

Around 30 people are involved in the producing the show, including the performers, and their routines are always a big hit with audiences.

The company is nearing the end of the circus season and Swindon is the last stop of the UK tour, which has seen them travel all over the country from Manchester to Cornwall.

Nia Jones, 13, who is officially the UK’s youngest professional juggler, said: “The first show went really well, everyone had a great time.

“The audience was one of the best we’ve ever had. They were very loud and enthusiastic, which is what we like.

“We have all loved being here so far and I’m very confident that it will be a great run.”

After the Swindon shows, the entertainers will take a short break before heading off to perform at Winter Wonderland in Manchester, the UK’s largest indoor Christmas theme park.

Ticket prices start at £10 for children and £12 for adults.

For more information or to book tickets log on to http://www.circusfuntasia.co.uk/ or call the ticket office on 0770 616 8507.