Review: Astley's Astounding Adventures at the New Vic Theatre

Long before ‘greatest showman’ P. T. Barnum’s famous three-ring spectacle, Philip Astley had already breathed life into the idea of a thrill circus here in the UK – and was stunning audiences with his concoction of equestrian stunts, acrobatics and slapstick comedy.  Astley’s Astounding Adventures at the New Vic tells the story of how this humble cabinetmaker’s son from Newcastle-under-Lyme became the original greatest showman.  Performed as part of Circus 250 – celebrations honouring the 250th anniversary of the birth of circus – this ingenious show, directed by Teresa Heskins, features her trademark style which audiences will be familiar with from shows like Around the World in 80 Days as well as the annual Christmas shows. 

Horse riding stunts in Astley's Astounding Adeventures, at the New Vic. Image: Andrew Billington

While this is a family-friendly affair, I think the title of the play does it a disservice in making it sound more child-oriented, when actually there’s bags for people of all ages to enjoy – just like the circus itself.  The in-the-round theatre obviously lends itself to the circus ring setting, making you genuinely feel like you’re in that big top back in 1768. You can even smell the sawdust on the floor.  The most bizarre thing for me was hearing a Stoke-on-Trent accent on stage – and Astley’s ‘strange voice’ was indeed the butt of many jokes.  It’s an insightful look at the origins of circus, and I particularly enjoyed the rivalry between Astley and fellow showman Charles Hughes, along with his partner Patty’s role in making the concept a success. 

Discover more about the origins of circus in Astley's Astounding Adventures. Image: Andrew Billington 

The standout cast member for me was Andrew Pollard, whose characterisation as Colonel West and King George III was spot-on. You can see why he’s a familiar face at the New Vic, as his ability to morph into a seemingly endless roll call of people is amazing. And this rave review is despite the fact he’d broken his leg and had to deliver his lines sat down at the side of the stage!  The New Vic calls Astley’s Astounding Adventures its ‘most ambitious show ever’ and you can see how they’ve built upon productions like The Wicked Lady almost ten years ago, back when the concept of aerial stunts inside this tiny theatre seemed like an unbelievably audacious move.  There’s still time to enjoy Astley’s Astounding Adventures as it runs at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, until July 28.  And after that, why not see all three ‘greatest showmen’ – Astley, Barnum, and Gandey – come together in the Gandeys Circus Greatest Showmen tour, which is currently at Butlins Holiday Resorts in Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis until September 2, before heading to intu Merry Hill from October 26 to November 4.  You'll find all our tour dates here.