
A spectacular show will once again shine a spotlight on the astonishing story of a man regarded as the ‘Father of the Modern Circus’, when a hit production returns to his Staffordshire hometown.
Drawing together Newcastle-under-Lyme’s 850th anniversary of becoming a borough, with its most famous son, showman Philip Astley, the town’s theatre-in-the-round is bringing its most spectacular show back to the stage this autumn.
Astley’s Astounding Adventures is the story of the local hero who became the international impresario without whom the modern version of a circus would never have happened.
Born in the town in 1742, Philip Astley was the son of a cabinetmaker who grew up to become a master equestrian, military hero and showman, who created the 42-foot diameter circus ring and was even responsible for the iconic ringmaster uniform.
It is a story celebrated in the stage show, which first wowed audiences in 2018 as one of the highlights of a year of events marking the 250th anniversary of the modern circus.
Revived to coincide with Newcastle-under-Lyme’s anniversary, Astley’s Astounding Adventures – written by Staffordshire-born writer Frazer Flintham – is back from 23 September until 21 October 2023, with tickets costing from £10 per person.
Newcastle-under-Lyme was awarded its first royal charter of incorporation in 1173, a historic milestone which is being marked with cultural and heritage activities throughout the year.
The perfect setting for a ‘Big Top’ experience thanks to its circular auditorium, the New Vic opened in 1986 as Europe’s first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round and is one of the country’s most successful producing theatres.
More details about the new production, and booking information, are available at www.newvictheatre.org.uk
For tourist information about visiting, and staying in, Staffordshire visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com
Photo: New Vic Theatre