For Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, the Christmas premiere of Circus Krone is also her premiere. “This year I was able to set it up for the first time, I’m full of expectations.” People are lining up outside, and the first invited guests are still huddling, somewhat lost, behind a cord at the champagne stand. “The circus creates its own atmosphere,” says Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, who could pass for a circus director herself in a red sequin blazer, “a few entertaining hours – the world is very bleak at the moment.” So she gave away a few circus tickets for Christmas this year. A little escapism for everyone is something Michaela May is also looking forward to, also true to the motto in her shimmering golden sequin blazer. “The circus is a part of my childhood; it has always fascinated me. And this amazement has remained.” She has danced with sea lions in the ring with stars and is the animal godmother of the lioness Angelina.