This May Upswing will bring their high-energy spectacle Showdown to the New Vic Theatre. Part talent show, part contemporary circus production the adrenaline-inducing show is on stage from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 May as part of its UK tour.
Touring to Newcastle-under-Lyme having originally premiered at Chamäleon Theatre in Berlin before opening in the UK at The Albany, Showdown masterfully combines jaw-dropping circus stunts with razor-sharp humourin a one-of-a-kind competition where the audience decides the winner. Unpacking society’s obsession with winning, the show is a playful, thought-provoking game-show inspired piece that examines the ideas we hold about social systems and their fairness – or lack thereof – in rewarding talent and determination, including the narrative surrounding the ‘survival of the fittest’ and perceptions around what healthy competition looks like.
Written by acclaimed comedy writer Athena Kuglenu, complemented by an energetic soundtrack from Olushola Ajose AKA Afrikan Boy and featuring an ensemble of skilled fearless contestants, the production is set to reimagine what it means to be the face of circus, and express stories in a new and extraordinary way.
The cast of this exhilarating production includesShane Hampden (Common Ground, Upswing Theatre; The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre); Jaide Annalise (Roll Model, Simple Cypher Company; A Cocoa Butter Christmas, Cocoa Butter Club Company); Rebecca Solomon (Second Hand Child and We Could all be Perfect, Sheffield Theatres); Gracie Hill (Vivid Experience, Cirque Bijou; Open Beta, Chavaree Circus, Shambala Festival UK); Loris Di Via (Carnival, Gandeys Circus); Kussyl Amara (Circo Price En Navidad, Teatro Circo Price; Trampo-Ville, Bois Del’ Aune Theatre; Envol, Ferme du Buisson)and Rhys Hollis (Queerdos Cabaret, UK Touring; Sound of the Underground, Royal Court).
Upswing Artistic Director Victoria Dela Amedume said: “It’s been amazing sharing Showdown with audiences in Berlin, and now we are so excited to bring it to the New Vic. Whenever we have bought circus into New Vic productions it has been magical. There’s something really special about this space and the energy of the Stoke audiences. I can’t wait for people to experience this show”.
Showdown is onstage at the New Vic from Thursday 8 May – Saturday 10 May 2025. Tickets are priced from £24.00 (£15.00 for under 26s). For more information and to book call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or visit newvictheatre.org.uk.