World Circus Day
This World Circus Day, here’s a potted history of circus acts we’ve hosted over the last 50 years, as we look forward to those coming back to spin, balance, and fly about the building on our 50th Birthday Weekend.
Read MoreAndie Scott’s journey to create 95% sustainable theatre started at Jacksons Lane in 2016 with From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads, written and directed by Adrian Berry.
With Jack and the Beanstalk, each element of design has had its impact on the environment carefully considered, and follows the ethos of the Ecostage Pledge. The pledge (which you can sign here) asks theatre makers to consider to seven Rs: Reuse, Refuse, Reduce, Recycle, Rethink, Reimagine and Regenerate, in the pursuit of a more sustainable industry.
Andie used recycled cardboard flats to form the basis of the set. They are painted in organic household paints to create multifunctional elements that hide puppets, giants, beanstalks … and a messy bedroom. Jackie’s bed is made from in-house staging and recycled timber, incorporating performative circus silk drapes which are used for Jackie’s aerial display. Puppetry created by Alison Alexander is projected onto the white cyclorama backdrop to add story elements and characters .
For the beanstalk, Andie looked at the intricate runner bean plants for inspiration. The Jacksons Lane beanstalk is made from reclaimed off-white organza fabric and uses corset boning from a previous project to form its structure. The multiple stalks are made from clear tubing that can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
The clouds are recycled plastic bottle fibres which were made into lampshades. They are joined together on a formation of paper lanterns which rescued from a Chinese opera project.
For the specialist effects, equipment has been hired in to ensure they get maximum reuse.
And what happens after the final performance? Much of the set already has a new home to go to. They’ll be taken to the National Centre for Circus Arts for a show in February 2023.
You can find out more about Andie and her work on her website.
Jack and the Beanstalk is at Jacksons Lane until Sunday 1 January. Tickets start at £12
General
World Circus Day
This World Circus Day, here’s a potted history of circus acts we’ve hosted over the last 50 years, as we look forward to those coming back to spin, balance, and fly about the building on our 50th Birthday Weekend.
Read MoreGeneral
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