Zirka Circus acrobats 'gutted' after caravan robbed during Auckland show

Gutted newlyweds, Max and Sophia, had their marriage certificate stolen. Photo / Supplied

A troupe of young Chinese acrobats are devastated after being robbed during a circus performance in Avondale, West Auckland.

The group - whose skills include contortion, juggling, comedy and death-defying balancing acts - are part of Zirka Circus' new Cirque Grande.

On Saturday night, during the opening act, someone broke into the trainers' accommodation at the Avondale Racecourse, circus spokeswoman Jan Pickett said.

"It happened just after the show started. Everybody was really busy, there was lots of noise in the Big Top, the circus acts were just starting."

Trainers Max and Sophia, whose surname was not immediately available, are recently married and their marriage certificate and Sophia's wedding jewellery was stolen.

The acrobats' training materials and Sophia's handbag containing 11 of the young performers' cellphones, programmed in their language, were also stolen.

The youngsters, ranging in age from 9 to 23, arrived in New Zealand six weeks ago.

Most have never been to New Zealand before and were staying in touch with their families back home via cellphone.

Zirka Circus staff clean up after their caravan was broken into and several items taken during a show in Auckland on Saturday. Photo / Supplied

Pickett said the young acrobats are "totally devastated".

"They're trying to put a brave face. They're still performing with smiles on their faces, but they're pretty gutted about their first experience of New Zealand. It's not a good look."

Pickett said the burglary was reported about 7.10pm.

A police spokeswoman said yesterday a forensic exam was completed and police were awaiting the results.

There were no updates from police overnight.

It was the second blow for the Cirque Grande performers.

The young acrobats were meant to be staying in purpose-built dormitory caravans, but two of the vehicles were stolen from the Royal Easter Show at the ASB showgrounds in Greenlane as the troupe flew from China.

Zirka Circus leased temporary caravans to house the youngsters.