The circus began its run at Dundee’s Caird Park last night, complete with some of the world’s greatest acrobatics and martial arts performers.

To a soundtrack of specially composed and orchestrated music, acrobats soar through the air and perform gravity defying stunts, while the disciples of the Shaolin Temple display their strength, speed and skill.

However, despite years of intensive training, it seems nobody in the circus was quite prepared for a visit to the City of Discovery.

Performers were shocked to discover that a vital prop — a unicycle — had been stolen from the backstage area at Caird Park on Wednesday night.

The £500 item is designed specifically for use on a slack wire and has no tyre making it unsuitable for “everyday” use.

The theft meant slack wire artist Su Peng Fei had to sit out last night’s performance and risked missing out performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, which starts on August 10.

The Shaolin warriors called on help from Tayside Police, who traced the stolen item and were able to return it to its rightful owners.

Company manager Debbie McPherson said, “We think it was probably just mischievous kids taking it for a ride.

“If it hadn’t been found we would have had to order another one from China which would take quite a while to get here.

“As we are performing at the Edinburgh Festival, we were very anxious to have it back by then.

“It’s not been damaged, so the act will now be able to go ahead tonight.

“We are so pleased to have it back. We were in the process of sending away to China for a replacement but due to the time difference hadn’t got very far with that.”

“We are really pleased that it has been found and thank everyone for their efforts in finding it.”

The circus, which also features contortionists, jugglers and characters from the fabled Peking Opera, runs at Caird Park until Monday, with two showings a day. For ticket information, call 0870 122 4730.