Why I Ran Away With The Circus

What happened when 15-year-old Imogene told her parents she was off to live her dream under the big Top

- Sean Marland

Very few parents would let their 15-year old daughter leave home to join the circus, but Imogene Reynolds was so determined that her mum felt she could not stand in her way.

‘I’ve always loved performing,’ says hoopist Imogene, who left her parents and younger brother behind in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, to join Russell’s Circus, which tours the country.

‘When I was 10, I saw a girl flying through the air on the hoops. It was amazing and it looked like so much fun. After that I knew that’s what I wanted to do.’

Imogene is one of several youngsters featured in c5's three-part series

Circus Kids, who wow audiences with their unique acts. Unlike most of the others she wasn’t born into a Big Top family.

‘Being in the circus is very special for me because I’m first generation,’ she says. ‘Who knows, if I ever have children, maybe they’ll do it as well. It would be amazing to start a performing family.’

Here, Imogene tells us more about her life…