Power

30 Jan 2022

London International Mime Festival

Charmaine Childs

Charmaine Childs leans backwards, one hand on the ground, the other reaching towards the viewer
Charmaine Childs smiles, looking off to the left, her arms crossed in front of her. She wears a red leotard and blue dangly earrings
Charmaine Childs stands with her arms high above her head balancing a plank of wood on which a pile of bricks have been stacked on either end

Trying to learn how to overcome uncertainty, Australian circus strong-lady Charmaine Childs asked people of all walks of life the same question: Can you tell me about a time when you felt really powerful?

The result is Power, combining her own story with the extraordinary experiences of ‘ordinary’ people.

“Breathtaking” Sydney Morning Herald

Initially striving to feel powerful by being invincible and in control, the show accepts the mess of uncertainty and finds strength in places where we wobble. It celebrates the power we have to choose the next step through the mess.

“Spectacular and very special… people are going to be talking about this non-stop… I can hardly believe it” Jo Whiley, TV presenter and radio DJ

Unfolding through a mix of verbal storytelling, voice-over interviews and impressive physical strength and artistry, this is an exciting piece of new circus-theatre – optimistic, uplifting, funny and moving.

“Bizarre and impressive” Irish Times

Developed whilst working in collaboration with companies including Complicité, Ockham’s Razor and Spymonkey, Power is directed by Emma Bernard, acclaimed for her staging of innovative opera, theatre, music and dance across the UK.

“She has a light touch and a keen ear which allow her to explore her themes of strength, power and resilience in ways that go beyond the obvious and create really involving moments” Mervyn Millar, Object Animation Director, War Horse

Roll up for a joyous and touching celebration of how we are powerful, even in an uncertain world!

“Flipping traditional gender ideas on their head, it is a strength act with a difference… jawdropping” Fremantle Herald

Part of London International Mime Festival. Click here to see the full programme at Jacksons Lane

After-show discussion: Sun 30 Jan (BSL interpreted)

Suitable for ages 12+

Keeping safe

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, LIMF have made the decision to introduce social distancing to shows across all of their venues this year. Seats will be assigned by a member of our front of house team. If you have any access requirements, please let a member of our team know on arrival, or email [email protected]

If you would like to know more about what we are doing to keep our staff, artists and audiences safe, you can read more here.

Show Dates
Show Times
Duration
Price
Credits
  • Creator & Performer : Charmaine Childs
  • Director: Emma Bernard
  • Composer: Matt Eaton
  • Creative Mentor: Charlotte Mooney
  • Lighting Designer: Sophie Postlethwaite
  • Movement Coaches: Gabbie Cook
  • Movement Coaches: Farid Herrera
  • Movement Coaches: Anthony Missen

Power was commissioned by The Lowry Salford’s WEEK 53 with the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

It received funding from Arts Council England and an award for adapting to rural touring from Cambridge Junction/Creative Arts East.

The work is supported by mentorship from Turtle Key Arts and Ockham’s Razor, and partnerships with Metal, Jacksons Lane, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, and Out There Arts.