Newcastle-under-Lyme lights up to celebrate Circus250

9th January 2018

To launch the celebrations of Circus250, the official Sir Peter Blake designed logo for the national celebrations will be projected on to The Guildhall, on the High Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme from 4.30pm today, Tuesday 9 January.

250 years ago in 1768, Newcastle-under-Lyme born equestrian, entrepreneur and showman, Philip Astley, drew out a ring and filled it with astonishing acts – tumblers, horses, acrobats, jugglers, clowns. He created the first circus. Every circus, anywhere in the world, began at that moment.

To mark the 250 year anniversary, celebrations of circus will be taking place all across the country. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, the New Vic will lead celebrations of this amazing artform with Circus Past, Present and Future – a programme of events that will showcase the wonder of circus for all ages. Featuring two brand new home produced shows – Astley’s Astounding Adventures, a new play written by Staffordshire-born Frazer Flintham and directed by Artistic Director Theresa Heskins about Astley’s extraordinary life; and Cabinet of Curiosities, a new immersive play that will take audiences into the fantastical world of circus, the New Vic will also bring national and international companies to the town for the celebrations including NoFit State Circus with their brand new show LEXICON; Circolombia – the inspirational Colombian circus company, and the Victoria and Albert Museum to present an outdoor exhibition all about the history of circus.

Find out more about the full programme of events in Circus Past, Present and Future here and follow @NewVicTheatre, #firstdayofcircus and #Circus250 @Circus250 to see the projections happening across the country to launch the year of celebrations.