Let us introduce you to New Vic Theatre’s biggest and most ambitious show to date – Astley’s Astounding Adventures which takes centre-stage at the theatre-in-the-round from Saturday, 7 July until Sat, 28 July celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Circus. The production is set to shine a spotlight on Newcastle-under-Lyme’s local hero Philip Astley (the father of modern day circus) and his astonishing artform which went on to become the phenomenon it is today, with circus travelling to all corners of the globe, crossing languages, cultures and continents.
Photo credit : Clara Lou Photography
Written by Staffordshire-born Frazer Flintham and directed by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, Astley’s Astounding Adventures combines the thrill of the circus with the uniqueness of theatre in-the-round and tells the story of equestrian, entrepreneur and showman Philip Astley’s extraordinary life – from humble beginnings in Newcastle-under-Lyme, to drawing out the first circus ring in 1768 and filling it with astonishing acts, creating the worldwide phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions across the world.
The show will be bursting with fast-paced action, humour, gripping drama, breath-taking acrobatic skills and music performed live on stage, Astley’s Astounding Adventures will be brought to life by a cast of 16 actors, musicians, circus performers and aerialists.
CAST
Danielle Bird Patty Jones
Gareth Cassidy Clown
Jason Eddy Charles Hughes
Michael Hugo Zipper
Nickcolia King-N’Da John Astley and Clown
Luke Murphy Clown
Andrew Pollard Clown
Nicholas Richardson Philip Astley
Photo credit : Clara Lou Photography
How long is the show on for?
The show will start this Saturday and continue until 28 July 2018. There will be evening performance at 7.30pm and matinees on selected dates at 2.15pm. For full timing details visit New Vic Theatre’s website.
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are priced from £14.50 to £24.00 (concessions and family tickets available) and can be booked online here or by calling Box Office on 01782 717962. A transaction fee of £1.00 per ticket applies when booking online.
Where is New Vic Theatre?
About The Victoria Theatre
The Victoria Theatre Company was the first professional company in Britain to perform permanently in the round – that is, with the audience on all sides of the acting area. Today, The New Vic is known both for its professional productions and for its award-winning work in the community. The company’s first base was Scarborough from which it toured to towns without their own theatres, taking the ‘theatre’ with it – raked platforms providing in-the-round seating for 250. Newcastle-under-Lyme was visited regularly and a permanent North Staffordshire home was planned. On 9 October 1962, a converted cinema opened its doors as a theatre, an event that received no mention in the national press. In 1983 an appeal was launched to raise funds for a new theatre. With local donations totalling over £1 million, the New Vic opened in August 1986. In the years since, the New Vic’s work has developed an increased national and international reach with productions transferring to London and Manchester, and partnerships formed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre Studio.
About Circus Past, Present and Future
The New Vic’s Circus Past, Present and Future programme has been made possible thanks to support from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme. NoFit State Circus’ production of Lexicon is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council England. Circus Past Present and Future has been created by the New Vic in partnership with NoFit State Circus, Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Brampton Museum and Art Gallery, The Philip Astley Project, Circus Works, Circus Futures, Roundhouse, London, The University of Sheffield, Upswing, Circus 250 and the New Vic led Creative People and Places Programme, Appetite. More information about Philip Astley and his extraordinary legacy is available from The Philip Astley Project and the Van Buren Organisation.
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42 comments
What a great review, sounds like a great show, circus and theatre all rolled into one, I will have to see if we can get to see it x
Hope you are able to watch it Samantha, it should be fabulous!
I love going to the theatre, the show sounds like a hoot
Its absolutely ace Leighanne, hope you get the chance to watch it x
my partner would love this! I always get stressed watching acrobatics and such but is always a great show at the end of things
Absolutely, you and your partner would love it Bryanna
Now this isn’t a show I have heard of before, but it sounds like such a great show – it has been way to long since I went to the theatre!
Oh you must head to the theatre Sarah, there is so much talent there and its worth watching it
This show sounds fantastic and looks like great fun to watch -the pictures look very ecclectic! Su
Thanks Su, this would be great for a family to watch as its so interesting
I have not heard of this, but it sounds fabulous, and I LOVE the costumes! I have a budding actress in the form of my 13 year old daughter who would love this! 😀
How amazing! This is a child friendly show so we know she would love this!
It sounds amazing and definitely interesting. I’d love to be able to watch a show at least once! If only I lived nearer. It’s nice that they have matinees as well, for people who won’t be able to make it during the night shows.
Yes and matinees are great for those with little kids. Hope you get a chance to watch this show.
We love going to the theatre and it seems like a great show to watch!
Yes definitely, the cast are so talented
This sounds like such a fab show, I haven’t been to the theatre in so long and would love to see this.
We think you would love it Mellissa, as its a great production
I love going to the theatre and this sounds like it is a lot of fun
Yes Kara, this show is for the whole family so everyone can enjoy it
This sounds like a great show, I’d love to watch it if I lived in Newcastle. Will they tour around the UK as well or it’s just Newcastle based at the New Vic?
They probably will Joanna, if they receive a good response from the crowd. This is a own production by New Vic Theatre.
I am yet to venture to a theatre but I would love to go and see this, I am always intrigued and love the circus
Yes nothing like the circus with all the drama, acting and tricks, you would love this Anosa
I haven’t been to the theatre in ages although I do like to go. This sounds like a really fun show to go and see. Sounds like it has a varied cast.
Yes a varied but talented cast Melanie hope you do get the chance to catch them performing, so far the opening night was fabulous!
Gosh I haven’t been to the theatre or the circus in years – you’ve reminded me of all the fun I am missing out on.
We do hope you have the opportunity to catch this amazing show Kacie x
Oh, I would just love to watch this show and it’s not that far either! It looks incredible!
Do you think it’s child-friendly at all?
It sure is Rosaleen, fun for the whole family!
This sounds like an awesome show! I would love to bring my whole family.
Hope you get the chance to do that Lauretta x
That sounds like a fabulous show. I loved the circus as a kid.
How wonderful to hear that Jo, hope you do catch the show at New Vic Theatre
This looks like one epic show and something that I would really enjoy.
Glad to hear that Jemma. Hope you catch it x
This sounds like such an incredible show! Thanks for letting me know about it.
No problem Kate, hope you get a chance to watch it x
This sounds so much fun! Definitely something to go and see over the holidays.
Yes something to watch with the kids as well Jenny x
Sounds like a fun show that myself, my husband and by kids would all enjoy.
Hope you can catch it Emily x