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Our Story
Welcome to The Gaming Circus.
We're more than an online game shop. We're a community built around the belief that tabletop games create unforgettable memories, bring people together and help people discover friendships that can last a lifetime.
The Gaming Circus was founded by two lifelong gamers who dreamed of creating the kind of place they always wished existed. After spending more than ten years running community events, teaching games and supporting players across the South Coast, we realised there was an opportunity to do something different.
We wanted to create a place where every customer feels welcome, whether you're buying your very first board game or adding the latest release to a well-loved collection.
Everything we do is built around one simple idea:
Buying a game should be the beginning of a relationship, not the end of a transaction.
That's why we play every game we stock. It's why our recommendations are based on experience rather than sales targets. It's why every parcel is packed with care, complete with handwritten thank you notes and those little finishing touches that make opening your order feel special. It's also why we invest so much time in running events, teaching games and helping people discover the hobby we love.
The name The Gaming Circus comes from childhood memories of visiting the circus with family. It was a place filled with excitement, wonder and discovery, where every act brought something new to experience. We wanted our business to capture that same feeling. Every game has a story to tell, every table has memories waiting to be made and every visit should leave you feeling just a little more excited than when you arrived.
Whether you've found us online or joined one of our events, we're delighted you're here.
We can't wait to help you discover your next favourite game.
Meet the Troupe
Our team of experienced gamers are alway happy to assist you with any of your gaming needs. Why not get to know them by reading their bio below:
CEO and Founder
Alex Critchell
Role: Ringmaster
Hello there, my name is Alex. I am the founder of The Gaming Circus and have been playing tabletop games for the last 16 years. After spending many years enjoying the hobby, I wanted to share my experience with the world so set up this webstore. The goal for me is to unite more people with new board games bring people together and creating new memories along the way that they will cherish in years to come.
What is you favourite game?
My favourite game to play is Clank! be it the original, In Space, Catacombs or the legacy version.
What is your favourite mechanic?
The gaming mechanic I enjoy the most is deckbuilding as I enjoy building engines that cause a cascade effect.
What is the most important thing about gaming for you?
For me the most important aspect of gaming is the social side of it I love meeting new people from all walks of life engaging in conversation and having fun allowing you to create new memories that you can take away with you once you leave the table
CFO and Co-Founder
Emily Critchell
Role: Acrobat
Hello, I'm Emily. I'm the co-founder of The Gaming Circus and look after all the finances when I'm not busy playing board games that is! Growing up, my family was always up for a game of something whether it was a game of Beanie with a deck of playing cards or a game of cranium or trivial pursuit at Christmas, you could always be certain someone would want to play! I've always supported small independent stores and when we decided to start the business it was important to me to support the smaller independent publishers whose games we love but are tricky to get hold of outside of conventions.
What is you favourite game?
I have many a favourite game and am known for being indecisive, however if I had to pick an all time favourite game, it would probably be Arkham Horror as I love the cooperative nature of it and how tense the games get.
What is your favourite mechanic?
I love co-operative games but especially ones where you also have your own agenda's or mini side missions.
What is the most important thing about gaming for you?
The most important thing about gaming for me is being able to have fun around the table with friends and family, in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no pressure to be or act a certain way and although some games can get quite tense, the tension rarely continues outside of the game.