PURE SHOWMANSHIP: TAKE THAT BRING SPECTACULAR ‘CIRCUS LIVE’ SHOW TO GLASGOW

LIVE REVIEW | TAKE THAT w/ The Script | HAMPDEN STADIUM, GLASGOW | 12th June 2026 by Ella Dowell

At the weekend, my wee Nana and I spent our Friday night two-stepping with Take That, as part of their 2026 The Circus Live tour. Hampden Stadium hosted around 100,000 Take That fans over their two-day run- all of whom I’m assuming returned home stunned by the extravagance of this incredible production. The show was bursting with talent; it was fun! It was a kaleidoscope of pageantry. We had a fabulous time.

We arrived in time to catch The Script’s support set, who followed American singer/ songwriter Belinda Carlisle. Our first glimpse of the circus stage from the (long and painful) toilet queue welcomed big grins. The Script were a great choice for the support slot on this tour; a short but hit-heavy set charmed the crowd, and their familiar favourites saw everyone swaying and singing along.

Frontman Danny O’Donoghue’s involvement with the audience really stood out to me as a buzz generator, plopping himself into the crowd during For the First Time, video-calling a fan’s ex-boyfriend while singing their track Nothing, talking about their hits and journey as a band; a real conversational approach. They closed with Hall of Fame while the sun peeked out from the clouds; it was lovely. They’re touring in November and also have new music on the way!

Once they had left the stage, I noticed some commotion from the corner of my eye. A group of clowns with balloons were prancing around the pit, dressed in cloud-patterned suits. Other vibrant characters began to emerge around 8:30, drawing us further into their fantastical scene before Take That popped out from a cluster of big balloons. A roaring cheer segued into Greatest Day, and the crowd were in their palms thereafter.

Mark, Gary and Howard were clad in all black, beaming from ear to ear, playing around with “No Scotland, No Party,” while settling in with their crowd, who evidently adored them (and their dance moves). I marvelled at their production value, which genuinely amazed me. A truly spectacular set and show design that cut no corners, a supporting cast of dazzling performers, and all delivered alongside the cheesy bangers we knew and loved. Water cannons, confetti, big cast dance numbers, a giant mechanical elephant: all in the first half an hour.

They spent this half hour on the smaller “B stage” amidst the crowd, and as they rode to the main stage on their elephant, I sat increasingly curious to see what this bigger stage was capable of. They assured us that “the Circus had just begun.” What followed was one of the most visually exciting gigs I had ever attended.  

The stage was lined with circus performers while the cast introduced the next chapter of the show with a glamorous rendition of Shine. The colours were mega. I was uplifted! Throughout the rest of the show, their humorous approach and their audience interaction nurtured a light-hearted, fun feeling within a crowd that was firmly wrapped around their finger. Their talent is undeniable, and they performed up to their legendary standard for sure.

Though the evening was chock-full of pizzaz, it had its poignant moments, too. Notably, when Gary Barlow was joined by a tightrope walker as he sang The Circus, seated at a grand piano. It was very beautiful, visually and audibly.

It was a perfectly fluid and engaging show from start to finish. My personal highlight was Relight My Fire, a massive number that was elevated by the incredible cast and guest vocalist Zoe Birkett. After an encore, they finished the show with Rule the World, which I thought was a wonderful underline to the evening. Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing played across the loudspeakers as the crowd left the stadium. Everyone in the corridor was singing along and dancing with each other on the way out; oh how I love cheese, it brings people together.

All members involved in this production should be very proud. It’s evident that a lot of people’s hard work and passion have gone into the making and delivery of this tour, and it is a credit to them. The Circus Live at Hampden was spectacular. And 17 years since their last Circus tour, Take That continue to re-establish themselves as three of the greatest showmen (ha) in the modern industry.

Bravo!