Circus Troupe take a bold leap into the unknown with Bristol Old Vic
March 15th, 2014
In the first collaboration of its kind, Bristol Old Vic is supporting the ground-breaking and popular Bristol company, The Invisible Circus transform their successful circus show Under The Dark Moon into a full-scale touring theatre production.
Based in Bristol since 2002, the Invisible Circus draws much of its approach from its history as a troupe of travelling street performers and has grown to produce unique circus theatre in a variety of unusual locations. With close support from Bristol Old Vic s Artistic Director Tom Morris and the technical team at Bristol Old Vic, they plan to raise the theatricality and scope of their performances even higher.
Doug Francis, Director of The Invisible Circus said: Under The Dark Moon was previously created in three weeks on a shoestring budget. It ran over five nights in 2013 to a sell-out crowd and had a phenomenal response, but we knew there was a lot more we could do with the show. With the support of Bristol Old Vic we have the opportunity to work with internationally respected directors and producers to create a brilliant show.
Under The Dark Moon is a circus theatre show exploring human transformation. Taking inspiration from the dreams and fears of their ensemble of artists, they created a performance that drew on the darker side of fairy tales and twisted the idea of a circus freak show.
Tom Morris, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic said: this extraordinary company employ a huge range of industrious and creative artists, to produce imaginative work that is unlike anything else on the Bristol scene. We are thrilled to be able to help them explore new artistic possibilities and reach a new audience as well
as bringing their unique brand of visual thrill-seeking to our Theatre.
The director of Under The Dark Moon is Sarah Fielding. She has directed for The Invisible Circus at Glastonbury Festival, Blackpool Winter Gardens and the last two shows at the Creative Common Big Top; The Happiness Machine and Under the Dark Moon. She has also directed independently on shows at The Roundhouse and Tobacco Factory Theatre. The show is designed by company director Wim Penhaul and he is joined by Musical Director Willy Brothwood, lighting designer Paul Jarvis, and costumier Phoebe Baker.
All of the performers are core members of the Invisible Circus troupe and include: Doug Francis, (The Invisible Circus equivalent of the Ringmaster, and also company director); Michelle Savage, (Aerial Hand Loop); Dela Seward (Trapeze); Chris Bull (Slack Rope);Justine Squire (Chinese Pole); Jack Rees (Aerial Rope) and Safia Al maghrabi (Aerial Silks).
For further information, or to arrange press tickets, please contact :
Amanda Adams (Press Manager) 0117 9494901 / [email protected]