“The Most Ludicrous Circus Performance I’ve Ever Seen” | Dragons’ Den

Paul Cockle came to the den to secure a £160,000 investment in his contemporary circus production business, the Generating Company. He has big plans and wanted to use the money to build his business and compete with Cirque de Soleil, the world's most lucrative circus company, estimated to be worth $1.2 billion.
An international sensation, Dragon's Den features entrepreneurs pitching for investment in the Den from our Dragons, five venture capitalists willing to invest their own money in exchange for equity.
#DragonsDen #CirqueduSoleil #CirqueConnect

[@jf1341]

He should have brought a video clip to demonstrate what his team has achieved /are capable of

[@behabtwa]

without it, the whole pitch is pointless.

[@charlisays]

Unbelievable that they didnt do that. It's so bizarre.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

They were suffering from lactic acid? 🤣

[@stephjovi]

maybe they did but it wasn`t shown, or maybe they didn`t even have a screen in there back than :)

[@joshuadooley181]

Yeah. “You may think it sucks, but hold on, here’s a video to prove it.” 😂

[@Argumemnon]

I love how when either Peter or Duncan make an offer the other doesn't want anything to do with, they look at the other as if they're insane.

[@KnowThyFuture]

"Theo Fetus". Gotta love these auto-generated captions.

[@bromadstv]

That made me laugh 🤣

[@leewinspear126]

😂😂

[@brianliscum6905]

He looks very young

[@davidwallin4515]

I watched this with the captions just to see that 😂😂

[@fritzschnitzmueller3768]

These things are so funny sometimes. I recommend to always watch with cc enabled

[@CartinaCow]

Fun Fact, Peter Jones and Theo The Fetus remained shareholders for at least 12 years after this episode. 2017 the UK part was dissolved and I have issues finding information about the french division that was set up.

[@aboutblank4356]

So they failed in the UK? I guess the pandemic has had its role in this sadly

[@cl1cka]

@@aboutblank4356 Would call it a "fail" if it operated for 12 years. Would guess they made their money back and profit.

[@Figgy20000]

If they were profitable for 12 years they definitely made their money back

[@mikeyswift2010]

@@Figgy20000 Yeah but just making your money back aint worth it. It was all for nothing!

[@judithingham4319]

@@aboutblank4356 2017 is too early for the pandemic. I suspect they'd found more business in continental Europe or were employing acrobats from there, and after the Brexit vote in 2016 it made sense to re-establish themselves in France so everyone working for them could continue to work in the EU

[@MineSpeak44]

I'm so confused why they got any investment. The whole thing sounded terrible. Who would ever see the name Lactic Acid and decide to go

[@investorspoint6224]

😂😂

[@rippawallet]

Lmfao

[@Anonymous-pl6fi]

You lack vision

[@ayeansh]

Lol don't know... Maybe people 15 years ago would.

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

The idea is that they put advertisements in their show through their performances, which had never been done before when this aired more than 10 years ago.

[@andrewvelonis5940]

That was the most sullen acceptance of a deal I could possibly imagine.

[@ry6222]

I love when Duncan is utterly bored out of his tree with the pitch

[@Brickcellent]

"It's a load of rubbish. I'm oot."

[@mohammadsayf5722]

And that is why jenny was already out.

[@Blackjuans]

​@Brickcellent "Oot" 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Clairski3]

I feel like this was a huge missed opportunity for the presenters to bring some of their performers in and do something spectacular for the dragons! Wow them, and then back it up with a solid business plan.

[@andrewvelonis5940]

Or at least a video.

[@agr7879]

When Duncan rolls his eyes....😂

[@WonkaVator72]

Rachel @7:09: “I don’t know much about the whole sort of circus performing business…” Paul: “That’s OK. Neither do I.”

[@BeastTheMadness]

"Paul and David have got the money for their circus" 😂😂

[@KSGomez88]

Doug looks like the bad guy in most movies

[@scottarmstrong8968]

That's because he is a bad guy. Guy likes kids

[@ahmedelsayed7762]

@@scottarmstrong8968Didn't she tell him she was 17?

[@scottarmstrong8968]

@@ahmedelsayed7762 He claims this. Regardless it is still messed up meeting up with a 13 year old when he is 60ish year old man

[@00Kuja00]

A bad guy from MacGyver, the A-team, AirWolf or some other 80's show.^^*

[@Ammar34567]

He reminds me of Doug from House of Cards. Even looks a bit the same.

[@handbanana4899]

Duncan's amazing face when Peter started praising the business at 9:38 beautifully summed up the whole episode.

[@alexandrinechelsea704]

Thank you sir!!

[@TheCoin100]

@@alexandrinechelsea704 Most welcome my dear.

[@longq5198]

Gotta love Duncan.

[@gamewithadam7235]

Finally a good title that doesn't spoil it and makes me intrigued.

[@juffjaff]

Circus-themed pitch?! Evan's gonna be his pun element! Update: I'm one and half minutes in and there have been no puns about clowns or tightropes yet. Disappointing.

[@lj7169]

Yeah he's always clowning around

[@liamcowley8630]

Missed opportunity there!

[@krissymarklewis1793]

These guys certainly have some fight in them.

[@Argumemnon]

They sure can't shut up.

[@johnmc3862]

Doug Richard is so tight only dogs can hear him fart.

[@oliprj8676]

Doug Richard made less investments in the den than Jenny Campbell. Waste of a chair

[@leadfieldhockey]

Has he ever made an investment?

[@jeffledger846]

In child po.... doesn’t matter 🤐

[@danielross51086]

I thought Doug would have been in given his affinities.

[@hiluxjase6665]

Wow. What a great episode. I remember going to see the Lactic Acid show. It would have been just after this investment. The best show I have ever been to in my life. I’m waiting for the sequel. 🤩

[@HaneeFannee]

You're waiting for the sequel after more than 10 years? Lol.

[@AdrianBond]

Great news! Heard they're working on the sequel - it's called "Flatulence."

[@psims7342]

@@AdrianBond the op wont get that one for another 10 years you know

[@Brickcellent]

Doug Richard: "Will there be child performers?" Paul: "...n-no." Doug Richard: "I'm out"

[@ashleybrooke2087]

Doug: "What about kids that could pass as adults? You can lie to me about their ages. I promise I won't check."

[@johnmc3862]

Maith thú!

[@TheBritishPitbulls]

Just researched this. Nuts

[@dinithjayasuriya3796]

Basically engaged in activity with a 13 year old. And then got cleared because he said he thought she was 17. And then got cleared of charges. The rich get away with things.

[@laurabuckley9219]

I never knew about that, ewww, I used to think he was alright too. Dirty old git, his poor wife and kids ☹️

[@VainCape]

The investment did actually go through but the business aka "The Generating Company" was dissolved in 2013. Looks like Theo and Peter jumped the gun on this one!

[@NessTheCatLIVE]

@Pinned by Dragons' Den Damn, even robots are desperate for conversation

[@Lauren72382]

@@NessTheCatLIVE yeah whoever created that channel is a complete 🤡 lol although I'm sure people have fallen for it 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@AustinNooe]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Generating_Company

[@MochudiSwaagVEVO]

@Pinned by Dragons' Den could you get me on the show?

[@paulkirton8945]

Thanks for the info. Was wondering what happened to them.

[@isaiahpero7837]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they didn't have a video of their circus performance to show the Dragons, especially if they only have FIVE performers and they're trying to complete against Cirque du Soleil.

[@Elmaxsivu]

Haven't even watched , but when he said circus , I know its gonna be a brutal

[@priscamolotsi]

Gosh! These old Dragons’ Den pitches were really flat! If it were today, the entrepreneur would probably have dancers come flying out of the elevator, strobe lights flashing everywhere, and some corny music blasting! Times have changed 😆!

[@stoneheart_raven]

I was so disappointed when i didn't see any performers. That would have been perfect.

[@ellenkarlsson9490]

Don't forget Hamfatter! 😂

[@dtz1000]

The clickbait title made me think they were going to perform.

[@YouMakeItHappen]

Nah... That's shark tank from US. Dragons den is the OG that is on the drier side

[@Rueuhy]

If I hadn't seen the guy pitching for the investment, and closed my eyes, I could swear I was hearing Christopher Hitchens speaking.

[@bobsmith3291]

You’re so right and the fact this doesn’t have a lot of likes means most people watching this don’t get the joke

[@narcher91]

@@bobsmith3291 I don’t like it because he doesn’t sound at all like Christopher Hitchens

[@Fuckethead]

Haha i was wondering who he sounds like, you nailed it, definitely the Hitch

[@majidalimirza3504]

Jenny's Husband: Hunny are you at home??? Jenny: no, I'm out .

[@ninjasonmylawn25]

Kinda felt like Peter only made an offer because Doug was being such a huge...well...being Doug.

[@bbuggediffy]

Nothing beats the two salesmen selling the water purifier machine

[@Fush1234]

This was filmed in 98AD.

[@RockyDave]

I don't like circuses, and for that reason I'm... Jenny.

[@robemofficial6956]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@RockyDave]

@Crank Yanker Said well.

[@bikesarebest]

I was just happy that Montreal was mentioned!

[@joannea6337]

He should've showed them the shows

[@dakingseaniii]

0:22 Did anyone else think the lad said his name was "Poor Cuckhold?"

[@Arbie_Games]

It's a shame the den rules have changed where you can't take more money than what you initially offered, also it would be nice to bring back the little interviews after the pitch, a nice addition in my opinion.

[@mikesutton381]

Doug Richards: Are there any 14 year old children? No? Im out

[@leestone1219]

That took a dark turn....

[@mikesutton381]

He's actually in...Police Custody :-D

[@OakApplegardens]

13yo's.

[@richardworaker8090]

I love a Scottish guy offering the best if British luck 🤣

[@strokeofgenius99]

Erm…Scotland is part of Great Britain so it’s an entirely appropriate comment

[@MRROBBIEWATTS]

get it Right man! - :)

[@terranceparsons5185]

Britain is a geographic area, the UK is the political entity. Scotland is in Brirain, as is England and Wales.

[@MikeStarKaraokeUK]

You can tell Theo knows Doug is a odd bloke.

[@Billy_B]

They’re still going and doing well, doing shows all over the world

[@andersonaldo1340]

Another guy said the holding company was dissolved in 2013

[@craigstirling9318]

They were in business for a few years,made a bit of money then dissolved in 2013..peter and theo made a return on their investment too

[@clk1564]

Apparently they did Peters birthday party and then went into liquidation.

[@Jack_Gretchen]

Urg I hate Doug Richard..

[@craigstirling9318]

So do kids

[@gbt722]

In 2015, The Generating Company closed and set up a production company to work together with Stufish entertainment architects. Abigail is now a freelance show director and yoga teacher and Paul works as a producer for Anystage Productions both working to create shows around the world

[@moogleking]

Peter is the wild card, he always does the decision I wouldn't do if I had the money to invest

[@richardreeder]

0:21 the face my wife makes when I try to explain anything

[@RockyDave]

Careful... That's the face my wife had just before she walked out.

[@andrewvelonis5940]

There was no reason for Duncan to be so rude. If he doesn't want to invest, fine. But there's no need to be insulting about it.

[@susannah1948]

He’s only got 5 employees !! He is living in a dream world……

[@simpleasliam657]

Duncan and Theo's faces when he was pitching lol face like slapped arses.... hahaha

[@JonasHamill]

Doug Richard's finger snapping and clapping really irked me. I also can't watch these without thinking about how much of a creep he is.

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Disgusting individual. How he got away with what he did is beyond me!

[@OnlyKoenig]

you mean because of the accusation with the 13 year old? never liked the guy, scumbag

[@davidmg1925]

the answer to that perhaps is you go and do better? show how it should be done

[@OnlyKoenig]

@@davidmg1925 what?!

[@Brickcellent]

@@davidmg1925 Don't think it's a good idea to try and copy Doug Richard...

[@matthiasmacandrew1267]

I am now watching these for breakfast. Avocado toast with a local farm egg and some crushed red pepper and pink sea salt. Mmmm...

[@Brickcellent]

Gluttony is a deadly sin

[@MochudiSwaagVEVO]

Lucky you

[@narcher91]

@@Farquad76.547 eeee by gum, what those millennials like eh chuck? back in my day woke meant our Maureen was feeling frisky at 3am . Avocados?? The dirty bastards .

[@matthiasmacandrew1267]

@@Farquad76.547 I wish I was that young... Try GenX'r trying to loose about 30 pounds ;)

[@Gedagnors]

Paul Cockle: We area circus company. George Smiley: Go on...

[@ralphmosquera]

theo always with family/children money, is he a mafia boss or something.

[@MRROBBIEWATTS]

..yes he thinks he is!

[@kajamiletic3223]

He's Greek

[@countpythagoras]

@@kajamiletic3223 Cypriot.

[@5786brian]

Forget about it

[@tomburnz9705]

Peter knows what he’s doing he always see things the others don’t

[@banquorebuechett9914]

Lactic Acid. Sounds fantastic.

[@biggdogg99848]

Duncan guillotine 😂😂

[@mr.plaguedoc9284]

take a shot every time he says lactic acid

[@Themozartthug]

Have you noticed.....when ever they bring on the "guy about the finances" they never talk to them, they literally say one thing and never get involved

[@friendlypiranha774]

2:34... Now the secret"s out: Millionaires use BIC pens 😂😂😂

[@KarrierBag]

Having run my own circus for over 25 years (Now retired from it) I can say they never stood a chance even with an investment.

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

It's supposed to be a corperate thing. In other words, big businesses are meant to invest in them and then advertise through their performances.

[@KarrierBag]

@@TheManInBlueFlames oh I do realise that, I have done the corporate gigs, also I know / knew some of the performers who worked the dome gig, I too did some there, still they never stood a chance.

[@chrisburns7979]

@@KarrierBag yet it lasted 12 years

[@Blackjuans]

0:44 That look! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Midnight_Freefall]

"I think Mrs. P would like this show, so I'm in!"

[@method8637]

Lunch gang where we at 🙏

[@lj7169]

Its no surprise that Theo left this show, I don't think any of his investments have actually paid off!

[@GuitarxPlayax]

well hes been back in the newest season

[@Anonymous-pl6fi]

Are you sure about that?

[@Anonymous-pl6fi]

Theo Paphitis invested in 45 business during his time as a Dragon. The most successful business he invested in along with Deborah Medan, was a company called Magic Whiteboard. They managed to make an £800,000 return on their £100,000 investment.

[@Figgy20000]

They were profitable for 12 years. They def made their money back on this one

[@roni2977]

Looks like they are still alive.... generating company . Co . UK . Although in the company register it says they were dissolved in 2017.. they did mention that they moved their operations to france..

[@jptrout235]

I love lactic acid! Btw does tiestos pet raccoon mix this music for the show?

[@Dean_dialectic]

I’d have thought Doug would have invested. Circuses attract little girls and Doug really likes his little girls.

[@lukebignell7846]

That’s a serious allegation, where is the proof

[@patryksroka4783]

@@lukebignell7846 look it up 😂

[@alannagrant1883]

That’s disgusting, inflammatory and completely baseless, it’s you and your comments that are slanderous and ugly here.

[@BenjaminGoose]

I'd hardly say a 17 year old is a little girl.

[@rileybrown342]

Yes, he paid a 13-year-old for sex acts, and he later escaped charges because he "thought she was over 16," which is a pathetic and disgusting excuse. Whatever the man said, he definitely went for literally a little girl.

[@royfr8136]

Why do all theatre people act so arrogant on this show? They just seem deluded.

[@fngsoap]

Just had chicken wraps today, some left over for yous lot 🙌🏻

[@marcoferrucci1358]

I had a chicken sandwich

[@MsMaryPatricia]

@@marcoferrucci1358 I had a pizza.

[@RockyDave]

Lamb biryany.

[@bundleofhumble3119]

I'm allready in the Meme Circus and for that Reason, I'm out! *- Jenny*

[@abdulsameer1985]

End quote : Best of British Luck... Hahhahahahahahaah

[@jonathanvreeland8344]

The man that owns Cirque de Soleil is worth 1.2 billion on his own never mind his company.

[@brianliscum6905]

Cirque du Soleil emerges from bankruptcy protection with sale to creditors

[@NuttyJun]

7:46 makes me so angry the way he rudely unnecessarily disrespected the entrepreneurs for no reason. Nowadays these same Dragons put on fake personalities for good PR..... But here, we see their true colours exposed. I would have started to pee on Duncan for that.

[@Gaeton_Dugas]

Peeing on somebody is not very respectful

[@michaellynn9763]

You’re absolutely right! I’ve watched this show since it started and seen a huge shift in demeanour and personality! While it has always been partially scripted, 2005-2007 was definitely a good representation of their true personalities. I

[@rachel_mck]

Who else is eating atm while watching this🙋‍♀️

[@Gaeton_Dugas]

automatic teller machine ???

[@elgentleman6259]

Wouldn't they be in the way?

[@Englishham]

I knew just by looking at the title it was Duncan who said it

[@johnnyserdon9694]

Doug scares me with that face I'm out

[@lynnwiltshire6220]

Did they ever get there investment back??

[@KunalGupta88888]

Best of British Lock

[@megalomaniacal]

Invest in a circus, they said.

[@JuliuszCovers]

Why are there people who don’t bring the money person to the den from the start? Do they really expect that they might not be asked about money at all?

[@carolinesilva6979]

06:08: Hello, Mr. Peter Welcome.

[@terranceparsons5185]

The Toronto Olympics, Toronto Olympics?? When was that then. Tokyo, Rio, London, Beijing, Sydney, Athens, Atlanta, Barcelona, Seoul, LA, Moscow, Montreal....... ah, because its the same place right!

[@jochenheiden]

Doug Richard was really hoping he was selling something else *wink wink*

[@jamespalmer980]

If i was pitching to Duncan Bannatyne with his ridiculously arrogant attitude here i wouldn't have given him the time to say "im out" because he would have already have been punched spark out on the floor!

[@nick777forde]

James, I doubt that very much.

[@NecroMorrius]

@Pinned by Dragons' Den uhh channel hacked?

[@annajones9701]

He can do what he likes with his money for investment.

[@Patricia_Angeles]

@Pinned by Dragons' Den do you sell bitcoin?

[@MsMaryPatricia]

You'd punch someone because you don't like their attitude? Ya, you're definitely the type of person millionaires are going to invest in lol.

[@OakApplegardens]

Doug Richard is so creepy. Hardly surprising given court case.

[@cliveedwards2958]

I presume this was before covid happened..?..that will have changed the entire picture

[@lovethefields]

How did this investment go?

[@chris-vn6sw]

Any idea what the outcome was ?

[@davynewcomb8054]

Subway for lunch today

[@lukebignell7846]

You should boycott it, they aren’t letting the unvaccinated into certain stores now

[@MyGenXLife]

The Toronto Olympics???

[@royfr8136]

Doug Richard sitting then... thinking about young girls.

[@marcelovolcato8892]

Cirque du Soleil loses money and these guys want to follow on their footsteps?

[@Brickcellent]

@Pinned by Dragons' Den Seems legit

[@TheLocalLt]

In the early 2000s I don’t think they were losing money as they were very popular

[@justzemy8793]

Gyros is on the menu.

[@ShoppingwithRina]

Oh I see

[@DarrenJCalvert]

Rachael - you cannot compare, but all businesses have to start somewhere, 2000 staff doesn’t happen overnight.

[@Wykesidefruitmachine]

Late brekkie, sausage sandwich with a few dots of brown sauce and black pepper. Packet of Roysters on the side.

[@footloose9618]

Cumberland sausage I hope?

[@LiD0349]

You’ve set yourself up for failure in the den when you try and compare yourself with a BILLION dollar company with a show called Lactic Acid

[@LetUsStrip]

Why is Doug Richard still allowed on your channel?

[@Pobsta-de7hb]

I think its funny when Doug Richards shakes his head at Peter Jones, when Peter Jones could spend Dougs entire networth in a weekend out. I mean a billionaire vs somebody worth around 75 million lol I know whos enthusiasm or opinion I would back

[@91vanced14]

Theo is not a Fetus but he is a very naughty boy

[@webb1604]

Jenny loves the circus, so she is out

[@PotentiallyAndy]

She’s so “out” that she’s not even “in” to start with

[@imranasghar8690]

Hilarious. Not

[@JSSTyger]

Theo Paphitus's children are gonna be really upset.