From Saturday 7 July, New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire – birthplace for Philip Astley, the founder of the first modern Circus – will celebrate their local hero in their most ambitious show to date, the brand new in-the-round theatre production of Astley’s Astounding Adventures.
When trick rider Philip Astley and his wife Patty meet, both know their lives were about to change. As the couple begin their adventure together, they are unaware that they would become the legends of one of the greatest stories ever told. Astley’s Astounding Adventures charts Philip Astley’s extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Newcastle-under-Lyme to the world-renowned circus phenomenon that captured the hearts of millions.
As a purpose-built arena theatre, the New Vic is uniquely placed to bring Astley’s inspiring story to life in a colourful celebration which combines the thrill of the circus with the uniqueness of theatre-in-the-round. The play has been written by Staffordshire-born Frazer Flintham and co-directed by Theresa Heskins, artistic director of New Vic Theatre, and Vicki Amedume, the founder of Upswing Circus. It features a cast of 17, including four circus performers, five musicians, four actors and four comedy actors.
Supported by Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme, Astley’s Astounding Adventures is part of New Vic Theatre’s Circus Past, Present and Future and will take place at various locations across the town centre until August in 2018. More details of the programme of events are available here.
I have booked 3 seats for Astley’s Astounding Adventures for us on July 17th at 7.30. My Grandaughter, Danielle aged 23, is involved in both performing and teaching, on silks, stilts and hoops in the Potteries.
Is there any possible way in which she might be able to become involved in the show please? That would certainly ‘make her day’ if it could be arranged!
Joan Keeling
We have passed your comment on to the production.