Upswing, Staffordshire and Stoke Libraries presents: Circus Explorers

22nd October 2026

Free circus performances and family play sessions exploring what bravery means, touring to five libraries in Stoke-on-Trent and wider Staffordshire this October half-term

27 – 31 October | Tamworth, Cannock, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tunstall and Stoke Libraries

FREE | Suitable for ages 4–8 | Booking required

Award-winning contemporary circus company Upswing are bringing free performances and Stay & Play sessions to five Staffordshire libraries this October half-term, inviting children aged 4 to 8 and their adults to explore what bravery means to them. Sessions are free and can be booked in advance directly with each venue.

The programme is delivered in partnership with the New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire’s theatre-in-the-round in Newcastle-under-Lyme, as part of Upswing and New Vic’s Circus Theatre Partnership. A multi-year programme of work, the Circus Theatre Partnership reflects the two organisations’ shared ambition to push the boundaries of circus-theatre performance and bring high-quality theatre and circus to family audiences across the county. For Upswing, who are based in Staffordshire, the New Vic partnership has an extra layer of local resonance, with Newcastle-under-Lyme having a strong historical connection to the origins of modern circus as the birthplace of circus pioneer Philip Astley. Each Circus Explorers session opens with a short circus performance, around 10 to 15 minutes long, followed by a 45-minute Stay & Play session led by professional circus artists, in which families are encouraged and supported to try circus skills together. The activities will ask, what does bravery mean to you? Is it having a go at something new, trying again after a fall, making a friend, or asking for help when something feels too hard? Parents and carers are encouraged to join in alongside their children throughout.

The activities will form part of the research and development phase of a new show Upswing is developing and the families taking part this October will help shape it, with their own everyday moments of courage feeding directly into the work, building towards a touring production planned for summer 2027. The sessions also support family learning and early years development, building confidence, communication and creativity while encouraging exploration of local library spaces.

Upswing Artistic Director Vicki Dela Amedume said: “At Upswing, we’re interested in the small acts of bravery children show every day, whether that’s trying something new, making a friend, asking for help, or getting back up when things don’t go to plan. Circus gives us a playful and imaginative way to explore those moments together. We’re delighted to be working with Staffordshire Libraries and New Vic Theatre to bring these free sessions to families across the county, and excited that the ideas and stories that emerge will help shape a brand-new production for children and families in libraries.”

New Vic Theatre Head of Education, Jill Rezzano, said: “Circus is a brilliant way to bring families together to play, explore and discover what they’re capable of. We’re delighted to be taking this work into Staffordshire libraries, making it easy for children and their adults to experience high-quality circus and theatre in a familiar, welcoming space. As part of our Circus Theatre Partnership with Upswing, these sessions also give families a chance to help shape new work – so their ideas, experiences and creativity can become part of a show that other children and families will enjoy in the future.”

Spots to attend the free performance and play sessions are limited and must be booked in advance directly with the relevant library. Families can find full details and book a session by contacting the local libraries directly using the details below.

Circus in Libraries

FREE | Ages 4–8 | Booking required | Parents/carers must attend

Tuesday 27 October, Tamworth Library
Sessions: 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm
01827 782124 | [email protected]

Wednesday 28 October, Cannock Library
Sessions: 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm
01543 334525 | [email protected]

Thursday 29 October, Newcastle-under-Lyme Library
Sessions: 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm
01782 485312 | [email protected]

Friday 30 October, Tunstall Library
Sessions: 10.30–11.30am / 1.30–2.30pm
[email protected]

Saturday 31 October, Stoke Library
Sessions: 11:00-12:00pm
[email protected]