The circus as we know it today began in London more than 250 years ago. The story of how it all started is coming to Sudbury in a fascinating one-man theatre production at the Quay Theatre.
The show, “Audacious Mr Astley”, tells the story of Philip Astley, widely known as the father of the modern circus. Alongside his wife Patty, Astley created the very first circus performance before taking the idea across Britain and Europe.
Philip Astley was a former cavalryman who used his skills as a horse rider to create a new form of entertainment in the late 18th century. What began as riding demonstrations soon grew into something much bigger, combining spectacle, music and performance to create the format that still influences circus today.
In this lively production, circus personality and actor Chris Barltrop steps into Astley’s boots to tell the story first hand. Swapping his modern ringmaster’s attire for the uniform of a 1760s hussar, Barltrop brings the larger-than-life character of Astley to the stage.
The performance blends theatre, storytelling, music and soundscapes to recreate the early days of circus entertainment. It also draws on Barltrop’s deep knowledge of circus history and the industry itself, giving audiences a rare insider perspective on how the art form began.
Barltrop has spent years researching and writing the show, creating a unique portrayal of Astley that challenges the myths surrounding the birth of the circus and reveals the reality behind its creation.
“Audacious Mr Astley” received five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018 and was named Best Show of the 2018 Circus 250 Celebrations, marking the anniversary of the modern circus.
For anyone interested in theatre, history or the origins of one of the world’s most enduring forms of entertainment, this production offers a lively and unusual evening at the theatre.
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