A spectacular new open air show from one of the UK’s leading performance groups will light up the skies above Cumbria as part of this year's international circus festival Zircus Plus on 15-17 July.
The award-winning NoFit State Circus will unveil their new work Barricade in Barrow Park on 15 July for a night of highly-skilled aerial acrobatics, physical drama and breathtaking pyrotechnics.
Starting at 9pm, the free Big Friday Night will see Barrow Park transformed into a beautiful aerial playground complete with an iconic set designed by Dan Potra who helped to produce the Delhi Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Circus imagery, acrobatic skills, and inspiring music created by the Immortal Orchestra will be used to produce an astounding show that pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus to its limits. With pre-entertainment from the Barracudas, Barrow Carnival Bands and the UK’s leading trick cyclist Paddy Waters it promises to be a night to remember. The event will climax with a dramatic firework display from pa-Boom that will be seen for miles around.
Another key performance to look forward to at this year’s Zircus Plus comes from Italian Compagnie Piano C who will bring a touch of magic to Barrow with their award-winning show Senza Che. Taking nothing more than a few simple items including a bin and a cardboard box, the performers conjure up a bitter sweet show that elevates rubbish to an art form.Using humour, poetry and drama, the group inspire audiences to think about issues such as homelessness, freedom and wealth.
Heartland features aerial performers swooping through the sky entwined in swathes of fabric. Inspired by the legend of Minotaur, this new piece of work fuses music, dance and storytelling in thrilling style.
For the first time there will also be a series of performances in the Forum in Barrow aimed at adults and children aged eight or above. From PanGottic Circus Theatre comes Full Twist, an upbeat silent comedy about falling in love. This award-winning show blends physical theatre, clowning, masks and contemporary theatre to create incredible drama without using a single word.
Also making their debut at the Forum is French team DeFracto who will present their hilarious show Circuits-Fermes. It's an extremely funny and highly skilled show that has captivated audiences across Europe and will make its UK premiere at Zircus Plus. The shows will run on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm. Tickets for the double bill cost £6 (full price), £4 (concession) and a friends and family ticket for 5 people is £20. Tickets are available now from The Forum.
On the Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July the hub of the festival takes place in Barrow Park where 15 companies from across the world will excite and delight you with a mix of antics and acrobatics.
From Germany comes Aristokraten - an animation show that combines acrobatics, music and satire in one heady mix.
Laughs aplenty will also be provided by George Orange, an eccentric clown and slack-rope dancer from Chicago. His Man on the Moon show takes children and adults on an amazing trip to the moon and back.
Bicycle Ballet will dazzle audiences with an outdoor dance show performed on bikes. Starring trick cycling specialist Paddy Waters, this new piece of work uses dance, circus and physical theatre to look at differing male and female approaches to their bikes. It all adds up to a fun and frenetic performance that will leave audiences shaken and stirred.
Away from Barrow Park, Zircus Plus will be invading Dalton Road on Saturday with a selection of great street acts to entertain shoppers.
All of the outdoor shows are free and suitable for all the family.
This year’s Zircus Plus also includes an art exhibition Brief Permanence at Art Gene. Curated by Irina Stark, it is a mixed-media exhibition exploring the meaning and contradictions of circus through the works of three British artists.
