The Flying Dragon Circus, a groundbreaking celebration of the very best of Chinese and European circus traditions, takes centre stage at the five-day festival.
East meets west, boy meets girls, and monks and punks fly in the show, which premiered in Beijing in May to great acclaim.
Promising family-friendly fun, the Flying Dragon Circus warmed up with a full rehearsal yesterday before performing to the amazed crowds in an 800-capacity tent at Stockton’s Trinity Gardens last night.
Commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival and partners Culture 10 and Beijing Chaoyang Intercultural Association, the show is produced by Event International and directed by Pierrot Bidon, French founder of the famous Archaos circus.
Frank Wilson, Festival artistic director, said: “With interest in Chinese sport and culture at an all time high with the imminent Olympic Games, Flying Dragon Circus is a must-see attraction.
“The exhilarating performances show the grace and dexterity of Chinese circus tradition and the truly stunning aerial skills of the British artists.”
Mr Wilson said the show did “exceptionally well” on its European premier in Newcastle earlier this month and was a “worthy highlight” for the festival.
Catch the Flying Dragon Circus every day of the festival, times are: today – 2pm and 8.30pm; tomorrow - 7.30pm; Saturday – 2pm and 7.30pm; Sunday – 2pm and 7pm. Tickets £12.50, £5 for concessions and family tickets (two adults and two children) £25.
The show features an original score performed live by Chinese musicians and Newcastle band The Baghdaddies, who also feature at the SIRF Festival Club which returns to ARC after five years.
The Club will see performances from Maybe Myrtle Turtle and local favourites the Wildcats of Kilkenny tonight, tomorrow and Saturday starting at 10.30pm.
Meanwhile catch the start of SIRF’s colourful world class street theatre throughout Stockton town centre from midday today, including giant slinkies, trampolining acrobats, hip hop dancers and break neck stiltwalking.
For information visit www.sirf.co.uk or upload your festival pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/sirf2008
Today’s line-up and locations
Trinity Green
14:00 Flying Dragon Circus
20:30 Flying Circus
Parish Church Gardens
12:00-17:15 Honey
22:00 Suma
Municipal Buildings Car Park
12:00-21:45 Winter
High Street
11:00-18:00 Camera Obscura
12:00-15:00 ChromaVan
12:00 Great Scott
12:45 Desert Island Discs
13:30 14:15 14:30 Peep
15:15 Great Scott
15:45 Le Grand Peep Show
18:00-21:00 ChromaVan
19:00 La Grosse Couture
19:30 Peep
20:00 An African Circus
20:30 Le Grand Peep Show
21:00 Trampoline Mission 3
Arc
22:30 Festival Club
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