No Strapline

Showdown

Thursday 8 May–Saturday 10 May 2025

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 (Recommended Age 12+)
Under 26 scheme member £15.00

Find out more about Upswing by visiting their website here

Photography by © Andy Phillipson

Thursday 8 May–Saturday 10 May 2025