A new circus company in the Czech capital that is eager to perform despite the coronavirus pandemic is doing five-minute shows on a stage behind a window.

With all of Prague's theatres shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the La Putyka Circus adapted a practice that restaurants are using to stay in business.

The circus is inviting spectators to watch its acts through a street-side "window of culture", mimicking the take-out windows some eateries have opened while banned from serving customers at tables.

The troupe delivered 10 performances on Tuesday and another 10 on Wednesday, each one different to the others.

Jugglers, acrobats and other company members remain inside a theatre, with a wall separating them from their audience.

"This performance is for people addicted to live culture," La Putyka director Rosta Novak said.

"So they can get their dose of live culture and then they can go back to their big cities, homes or jobs."

The shows were all free but audience members had to book a place in advance due to a very limited number of seats, which all got reserved.

"I kind of liked it," Martina Novotna, one of the spectators, said.

"It felt very private and as if the performance was just for you. So that was a pleasant change."