On Saturday 12th August, Worthing’s Grafton Car Park on the seafront was transformed into a performance space where over a thousand people gathered together to spectate the work of one of world’s best vertical dance companies in action.
Commissioned by Worthing Theatres as part of their annual Summer of Circus season, audiences were invited to stand on the promenade outside of The Lido to experience ‘Host’, the latest work produced by the Kate Lawrence Vertical Dance company performed by six Circomedia students.
The performers abseiled down the building, implementing athletic tricks choreographed alongside an enticing soundtrack, that drew crowds in from all directions to watch the free outdoor event, which was performed at 12.30pm & 3pm.
As part of the project, in the weeks leading up to the event several temporary art installations were spray-painted onto walls throughout Worthing, local artist Will Blood produced colourful angel wings with non-corrosive and non-toxic spray, and loads of people have been having fun posting on social media in front of the wings, using the hashtag #WingsinWorthing.
Nicholas Young, Artistic and Managing Director at Circomedia says “Circomedia was delighted to be able to partner with Worthing Theatres to create the Host project and perform on the Grafton Car Park. Worthing’s Summer of Circus brings together a wide range of companies and activities, and as a leading provider of degree level circus education, it offered a great opportunity for Circomedia to contribute to that range. Our students got a lot out of it and we hope that Worthing’s audiences did too.”
Heather Mercer, Executive Member for Customer Services at Adur & Worthing Councils, says “This project was a first for Worthing and proved to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase just how exciting our town’s cultural offering can be, providing spectators with a thrilling free outdoor experience attracted over a thousand people and it’s a pleasure to engage with the public in such a vibrant and dynamic way, whilst collaborating with some of the best circus performers in the industry.”
The final production in Worthing Theatres Summer of Circus is Metta Theatre’s street dance circus spectacular Jungle Book on 26-27 August at the Connaught Theatre. For ticket enquires call the box office on 01903 206 206 or visit worthingtheatres.co.uk.
Summer of Circus has been supported by funding from the Arts Council’s Coasters Initiative, which facilitates and celebrates circus and street arts in coastal towns across the country.
