Gato Ruim – Teatro Circo

Gato Ruim, which means “bad cat”, is a theatre-circus company based in Loures, just north of Lisbon. Founded in 2013, it makes shows that mix theatre, dance, circus skills and music, performed by artists trained across those disciplines. Alongside the shows, the company runs regular circus classes for everyone from three-year-olds to adults, and its home page announced that enrolment for the 2026/27 course was open when we checked.

For families, the classes are the draw. Few circus schools around Lisbon take children as young as three, and Gato Ruim has a group just for them.

The course covers three disciplines:

• aerial acrobatics, working on apparatus hung from the ceiling
• floor acrobatics, on mats
• aerial dance, where movement and choreography happen off the ground

Gato Ruim says the training builds physical and mental ability, teamwork and artistic creativity, as well as self-esteem and perseverance. From time to time the company holds public performances, called exibições, for students who want to show an audience what they’ve been working on. Taking part is optional.

The published timetable lists four groups:

• Ages 3 to 5: Tuesdays, 18:00 to 18:45
• Children, beginner and intermediate: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 18:30 to 19:30
• Children, intermediate and advanced: Mondays and Wednesdays, 18:30 to 19:30
• Adults, beginner and intermediate: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 19:30 to 20:30

The page says the timetable can bend if a child’s other commitments clash, so ask if a slot doesn’t suit. The company’s events page mentioned classes starting on 15 September.

The 45-minute session for three- to five-year-olds is short enough for a young child’s attention span. Because the adult class follows straight after the children’s classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a parent could, in principle, train too.

When we checked, the monthly fee was €40 for one class a week, €50 for two and €60 for three. On top of that there’s a €15 registration fee and €20 a year for insurance. A single class costs €15, which is useful if you want to try a session before committing to a month.

Gato Ruim tours theatre for children, which is a good way to see what the teachers do on stage. Its repertoire includes:

• A Verdadeira História do Lobo Mau (The True Story of the Big Bad Wolf), an interactive retelling of Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf’s side, with a nervous wolf who wants to be fierce, a distracted Red Riding Hood and a lost rabbit. It uses theatre, acrobatics, music and dance, the audience helps move the story along, and it’s aimed at ages 3 to 12.
• Cinderela, Quando a História Corre Mal (Cinderella, When the Story Goes Wrong)
• A Boneca Matilde (Matilde the Doll)
• Dormir é bom… (Sleeping is good…)

The company also does street and party entertainment, called animações. Its online agenda wasn’t up to date when we checked (it still showed a 2023 circus festival), so ask the company or follow its social media for upcoming performances.

This is a good first circus class for a small child who is always climbing, and for families living in Loures, Odivelas or the north of Lisbon who don’t want to cross the city on a school night. The evening times suit children who are at school or nursery during the day and home-educated children alike.

It’s a class, not a play session, so a three-year-old will be asked to follow a teacher and take turns.

Classes are held at the Pavilhão Paz e Amizade on Rua da República in Loures. The company’s head office is at a different address (Calçada do Barro 61), so use the pavilion for class nights. The website doesn’t give parking or transport details; check your route before the first session.

Once a child outgrows the beginner group, there are other places to try. Armazém Aério in Carnide focuses on trapeze, silks and lyra from age 6. Chapitô runs children’s workshops below the castle. Jaya Aerial Lab has classes and a holiday camp in central Lisbon, and Perfolie Arte near Cascais has a Mini Acrobats group from age 4.

What is the youngest age for circus classes at Gato Ruim?

Three. The youngest group is for ages 3 to 5 and meets on Tuesdays from 18:00 to 18:45.

How much are Gato Ruim’s circus classes?

€40 a month for one class a week, €50 for two and €60 for three, plus €15 registration and €20 annual insurance, when checked in September 2026.

Can my child try one class before signing up?

A single class costs €15. Phone +351 914 107 158 to arrange it.

Where are the classes held?

At the Pavilhão Paz e Amizade on Rua da República in Loures.

Do students perform?

The company holds occasional public performances for students who want to present their work. Taking part is optional.