THE Chinese State Circus is to return to the Grand Opera House, York, next month and What's On has one family ticket to be won for the 7.30pm performance on September 19.

Chinese acrobatics is a common form of art in the People's Republic, where it has a long history with a distinct national style, evolving from the Chinese people’s everyday life and work. Historical records, ancient carvings and decorative patterns on utensils show the origin of Chinese acrobatics more than 2,000 years ago in the period of the Warring States.

During the Quin and Han Dynasties, from 221 B.C. to 220 A.D., acrobatic artistes developed a wide repertoire, and so acrobatics was called “the show of a hundred tricks".

The history of the Chinese State Circus spans 25 years since the touring troupe was conceived by creative director Phillip Gandey when he witnessed Oriental acrobats performing at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. After working out the logistics of transporting 45 artistes, plus directors, interpreters and five tonnes of props, half way around the world, the show hit the road.

The new tour comes three years since the Chinese State Circus's last theatre trip with Ying Yang. Tickets cost £17.25 upwards on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york

Win a family ticket (for two adults, two children)

Question: Who is the creative director of the Chinese State Circus?

Send your answer with your name, address and daytime phone number, either on a postcard to Charles Hutchinson, Chinese State Circus Competition, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or by emailing charles.hutchinson@nqyne.co.uk, by next Friday, August 26. Usual competition rules apply.