We help other companies use circus to tell their stories
From individual training to full stage direction and equipment design, Upswing has a wealth of experience in working on productions to bring circus elements alive.
We can support your production with technical advice, bespoke rigging, casting, training, providing artists and creating acts. We also provide teams with skilled circus consultants, choreography and movement direction.
“Upswing taught us to fly. In a theatre in the round, that’s no mean feat. And when your heart’s in your mouth due to the dangerous things you’re asking people to do, there’s no one better to have by your side than a calm, open-minded, thoughtful collaborator who knows exactly how to bring your wild vision to life.” Theresa Heskins, Artistic Director, New Vic Theatre
To find out how you can get involved, contact info@upswing.org.uk
Project Highlights
Worst Witch
Circus Direction
Royal and Derngate and Kenny Wax Productions
Winner of Olivier Awards ‘Best Family Show’ 2020.
“…A superb aerial sequence has Maud and Mildred dangling from trapeze-like broomsticks and clinging to a hula-hoop moon” The Guardian on Worst Witch
“..There are many stand out scenes to look forward to, for example the acrobatic scene with flying brooms and trapeze hoops” Onstage Northants
“…There is no greater example than the spectacular, funny and downright brilliant scene in which Mildred and Maud find themselves high above the stage battling to stay on their brooms.” The Northants Telegraph
Astley’s Astounding Adventures
Co-Direction, Actor Training, Choreography and Direction of Circus Sequences
New Vic Theatre
“…the first act builds to a pacy and excitable climax, culminating in a confident aerial silk routine for him and soon-to-be wife Patty… It demonstrates just how eloquently and poignantly circus can communicate notions of intimacy and trust.” The Stage
“More than skilful, this is also dramatically effective, especially in the falling-in-love duet between Nicholas Richardson’s Astley and Danielle Bird (as Patty Jones), a daringly executed, deeply moving aerial act performed between two long red silks flowing from the flies.” The Observer
Barnum
Circus Consultation
Cameron Mackintosh Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre
“Gordon Greenberg’s striking production transforms the small Menier Chocolate Factory theatre into a big top and circus ring…you should want to roll up, roll up to Barnum.” The Independent
“The singers and dancers fill the arena with constant, teeming life and close-up feats of acrobatic wonder.” What’s On Stage
Peter Pan In Scarlet
Aerial design, Actor Training and Aerial Choreography
New Vic Theatre and Oxford Playhouse
“It’s heart-in-the-mouth stuff as they fly above the stage. With imaginative staging and an innovative approach to the story, this is a class production.” The Stage
“The overhead action is so visually outstanding that it’s worth the price of admission on its own.” The British Theatre Guide