Following its premiere at the New Vic in 2018, Astley’s Astounding Adventures quickly captivated and thrilled audiences of all ages with its fast-paced action and laugh-out-loud humour. The story is based on the life of Philip Astley, the Newcastle-under-Lyme-born impresario who invented circus, and incorporates gripping drama and breath-taking circus performance.
Fast forward 5 years later and the exciting production returns – and it is set to be as impressive as ever! Astley’s Astounding Adventures will take to the stage this September, with added thrills and surprises, and features original cast member, Nicholas Richardson, who stars as Philip Astley. When asked how it feels to be back, Nicholas said:
“It’s a mixture of emotions. I’m excited and curious and if I think too much on it, nervous! But only in terms of doing it justice. We’re telling a real story about a very significant local figure and we have to live as close to that as possible. The story is already so magnificent and always bigger than the individuals acting it out so we have a high standard to reach!”
Thinking back to 2018, where audiences were thrown into an “adrenaline-fuelled true story”, Nicholas said his favourite memory happened on a particular night mid-way through the first act…
“There was one amazing moment, a really moving moment actually. It was where Dani (Danielle Bird, who plays Patty Jones) did this silk routine that happens mid show – not at the end or anything – and there was a standing ovation. We just had to stand and wait on stage for the audience to stop applauding. I have never had an experience like that before or since – a standing ovation mid show. To make people feel that way again would be incredible.”
To combine drama and circus is no mean feat for our actors who undergo an intensive training process before they are ready to perform. Nicholas, who does not have a circus background to draw on prior to becoming a key part of this production told us:
“The training is EASY!… Super easy. No, just kidding, it’s very hard work. You can do as much training as you possibly can before coming into a play like this, but you just can’t prepare for something like silks without doing silks. It’s the height factor, the bruising, the stretching… We’re 3 days in and I’m having a bath every night let’s put it that way. It’s a very intense process, but a rewarding one. After a while you start to feel excited as the story is wrapped around physicality.”
“My favourite skill that I have learnt is probably learning to juggle, although I’ve never used it since, but at least I know that I can do it! The escapology is really interesting too. Learning how that works was a frustrating process but a really fascinating skill – it’s like learning a magic trick.”
Nicholas has also had to familiarise himself with the character he portrays, Philip Astley, who invented the modern circus in 1768 and who was at the heart of many early performances. Nicholas said:
“Philip Astley was an incredibly tenacious and determined individual who never gave up on his dreams. He’s a very inspirational character. One thing that struck me about Astley is just how competitive he had to be and his desire to prove to the world what is possible. He was a genius of his time.”
Astley’s Astounding Adventures is brought back to the stage in celebration of the 850th anniversary of Newcastle-under-Lyme receiving its charter to become a borough. Reflecting on this Nicholas said:
“It’s incredibly special to be celebrating the life of Philip Astley during a monumental year in his native-town’s history. It’s also wonderful to celebrate the work, skillset, and talent of circus performers. Watching these artists perform on silks and trapeze is remarkable and to dedicate your life to learning a craft like that deserves some celebration because it’s a brave thing to do.”
It is hoped that this performance may inspire the next generation of circus artists – Nicholas agreed:
“I think it will inspire people to do something different and challenge themselves and be reminded that it’s okay to not always succeed. It’s an important lesson – not just for circus performers or actors or Philip Astley but for everyone in life. A story of failure and redemption and getting back up again – it’s an inspiring narrative, and circus in general is such a great fitness skill – it’s so accessible. I would encourage anyone interested to explore it.”
Finally, Nicholas concluded that Astley’s Astounding Adventures is “a magical extravaganza of a show…”
“It’s energetic and inspiring, moving and compelling. It’s a rollercoaster. I don’t know what it’s like to watch – I wish I did – but I know it’s like a heart acceleration experience that will leave a long-lasting impression on audiences. And the best part about it is that it is all true – it’s a real-life extraordinary story about a local hero.”
Astley’s Astounding Adventures takes to the stage at the New Vic from Saturday 23 September to Saturday 21 October 2023. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £10.00. For more information and to book call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or online here.