BRIGHTON.- Roll up! Roll up! It’s showtime! Hove Museum of Creativity presents a selection of circus-themed automata in a free family-friendly exhibition which brilliantly combines art, science, engineering and humour.

These beautifully hand-crafted mini masterpieces are created by talented artists curated by the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Automata comes from the Greek word for self- propelled. The moving mechanical devices showcase intricate designs and clever mechanisms. The push of a button or the turn of a handle brings the performers and side-shows to life.

The works are fun, whimsical and educational. They include a man sitting in a bath eating spaghetti, a muscle man lifting weights and another pedalling a penny farthing bike – a simple button will make each of the machines move.

Creative Programmer Fiona Story said: “In this marvellous exhibition sculpture and creativity meets problem solving and engineering with fantastic results. It promotes inspired learning and is a way of helping people to explore their own creative spark. The detail in these extraordinary machines is breathtaking. They are utterly delightful and endlessly appealing.”

Sarah Alexander, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre said: "Automata are intergenerational, with the ability to amuse, enchant and inspire curiosity across all age groups. Automata tell a story with the push of a button, they convey something, whether that’s a thought-provoking message or simply something to make you laugh."

Exclusive films to be shown in the gallery reveal the gizmos, gadgets and tricks behind the construction of the little mechanised marvels.

The exhibition offers an interactive area where visitors can try to build their own automata. They can gain an appreciation for the cogs, gears, springs, and hatchets that power these creations. Using a quirky selection of recycled bits and pieces, visitors will have the chance to unleash their creativity and even discover a newfound passion for this unique blend of art and engineering.

Perfect for all ages, this hands-on experience promises to fascinate and entertain.

For a fabulous day out, families can enjoy free entry to the museum with activities as well as the Wizard’s Attic Toy Gallery, Film galleries exploring early movie making, Fine Art, Local History and Contemporary Craft followed by a delicious lunch in our new museum café, Café Rust at Hove Museum of Creativity.

The Mechanical Circus is developed and toured by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.