No Strapline

Showdown

Thu 8 May–Sat 10 May

SIX ACROBATS. ONE WINNER. WHO WILL BE THE “NEW FACE OF CIRCUS”?

Get ready for Showdown! This high-energy spectacle combines jaw-dropping circus stunts with razor-sharp humour in a one-of-a-kind competition where the audience is invited to vote for their favourite. Six fearless contestants push their limits in a no-holds-barred race to the top, all for the promise of a single prize.

Showdown playfully unpacks our obsession with winning, asking: What’s worth sacrificing to come out on top? With each round, we dive deeper into the contestants’ drive to succeed, while chaos and surprises keep everyone on their toes.

Packed with audience interaction, clever comedy, and a bold mix of circus, spoken word, UK HipHop, Grime, and Afrobeat, Showdown explores the idea of “healthy competition.” Who will you root for to win?

Brought to life by an exceptional team—including Upswing’s Artistic Director Vicki Dela Amedume, rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu, and London-based musician Afrikan Boy—this show is a thrilling mash-up of heart, hilarity, and high-flying talent. Don’t miss it!

Approximate running time: 65-70 minutes (no interval)

Victoria Dela Amedume – Director

Athena Kugblenu – Writer (www.athenakugblenu.co.uk/)

Olushola Ajose aka Afrikan Boy – Score/composer (www.afrikanboy.com/music)

Lulu Tam – Set Designer

Davy String – Costume Designer

Hansjorg Schmidt – Lighting Designer

Kieran Lucas – Sound Designer

Somin Griffin-Dave – Associate Sound Designer

Helen Mugridge – Production Manager

Verity Clayton – Stage Manager

Cast Members: Shane Hampden, Jaide Annalise, Rebecca Solomon, Gracie Hill, Loris Di Via, Kussyl Amara, Rhys Hollis

Tickets: £28.00 / £26.50 / £24.00 (concessions £2.00 off)
Under 16s £15.00
Under 26 scheme member £15.00

Find out more about Upswing by visiting their website here

Photography by © Andy Phillipson

Booking Information
Showing: Thursday 8 May–Saturday 10 May 2025

Tickets: £24.00 - £28.00

Concessions: £2.00 off

Trailer

Photo Gallery

1

Reviews

"Powerful, approachable and highly entertaining..."

— Senioren Magazin

"A playful exploration of power and competition that is captivating and makes you laugh!..."

— Radioeins Newsletter

"A talent show satire that cleverly plays with the mechanisms of the format...."

— Berliner Morgenpost

"A merciless competition… totally heightened and as a result funny..."

— RBB Kultur

Latest News

News Article

SPRINGING TO ACTION – TAKE A LOOK AT EDUCATION’S EASTER ACTIVITIES

The New Vic’s Education department have been busy hosting holiday activities for young people this Easter ranging from backstage skills to physical…

Read Article >
News Article

New Appetite Director Appointed for Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme

The New Vic Theatre are pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Adams as the new Director of Appetite, the Arts Council…

Read Article >
News Article

CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS AND ACROBATIC BATTLE SHOWDOWN COMES TO THE NEW VIC THIS MAY!

This May Upswing will bring their high-energy spectacle Showdown to the New Vic Theatre. Part talent show, part contemporary circus production the…

Read Article >