Produced by Crying Out Loud in partnership with Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will become the setting for an ambitious programme of contemporary circus this July as internationally recognised artists transform one of the UK’s most iconic maritime heritage destinations into an open-air, walk-through experience entitled Circus in Motion.
A free, walk-through experience across two evenings
Circus in Motion forms part of The Point Is Portsmouth, a city-wide programme by Crying Out Loud celebrating Portsmouth100.
It is the first event of this kind to be staged across Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, reimagining the historic site through an ambitious programme of contemporary performance and participation.
Taking place on 17th and 18th July from 4.30pm, this free event invites audiences to stroll through the historic site, encountering aerial performance, tightwire, vertical dance, physical theatre and interactive works. Rather than gathering around a single stage, visitors will discover work unfolding across the Dockyard’s distinctive spaces.
Bringing together artists working at the forefront of contemporary circus, the programme explores movement, storytelling, architecture and connection within one of Britain’s most significant maritime heritage settings.
Artists and companies from across the world
Renowned performance company OSADÍA presents its playful interactive work Whose Hair Dares, transforming audience members through live artistic hairstyling, while acclaimed UK circus artist Poppy Plowman shares a contemporary tightwire performance shaped by storytelling, balance and collective experience.
If Circus performs Melic, a poetic aerial piece exploring memory, craft and connection through the act of knitting. Ahead of the event, members of the local community will join artists from If Circus for creative weaving workshops, helping create elements that will become part of the live performances.
Company Zid presents Zarbia, an acrobatic work inspired by Moroccan culture. Co-commissioned by Crying Out Loud, Le Phare – National Choreographic Centre of Le Havre, and Millennium 2027 – European Year of The Normans, the production re-interprets the traditional role of travelling storytellers and performers for the 21st Century.
Barcelona-based vertical dance company Delrevés, whose gravity-defying performers use architecture itself as a stage in a performance inspired by the elegance and drama of classical ballet, will deliver a breathtaking grand finale on both evenings.
A unique setting for contemporary performance
Rachel Clare, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud, said:
“When people hear the word circus, they often picture something very traditional – a big top, a ringmaster, a particular kind of spectacle. Circus in Motion invites audiences to leave those expectations behind.
“This is contemporary circus at its most inventive – visually bold, breathtaking and emotionally engaging. Just like circus, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a place full of stories, movement and clever engineering, making it a fascinating setting for artists whose work explores risk, daring and human connection.
“We want people to explore, linger, make themselves comfortable and spend time with the performances as they unfold across the site. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole evening, there will be opportunities to discover something unexpected.”
Hannah Prowse, CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter said:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Crying Out Loud to support their ambitious The Point Is Portsmouth programme as part of Portsmouth100.
“Circus in Motion reflects our continued commitment to ensuring the Dockyard remains a welcoming and accessible place for local communities and visitors alike to experience and enjoy free of charge. Portsmouth Historic Quarter is proud to provide opportunities for people to connect with this remarkable historic setting in new and engaging ways.
“As one of the first contemporary outdoor arts events of its kind to take place across the site, it represents an exciting moment in the continued evolution of Portsmouth Historic Quarter as a vibrant cultural destination at the heart of the city. We are committed to supporting ambitious cultural programming that brings together heritage, creativity and community in dynamic and inspiring ways, ensuring these extraordinary spaces continue to be animated by new audiences and experiences.”
Industry talks, street food and practical information
Alongside the public performances, Crying Out Loud will host an industry micro-conference exploring how heritage spaces can be reimagined through live performance, with discussions around sustainable touring, international collaboration and innovative cultural programming.
Visitors are encouraged to make an evening of it, exploring performances across the Historic Dockyard while enjoying a selection of street food and refreshments from BaxterStorey across both evenings.
Entry is free, although donations are welcome. Find out more on the website.
Circus in Motion is produced by Crying Out Loud in partnership with Portsmouth Historic Quarter. Supported by Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Creates, Normandie Regional Council – Millennium 2027 European Year of The Normans, Ventnor Fringe and the University of Southampton. Sponsored by BaxterStorey.
News shared by Rachel on behalf of Crying Out Loud. Ed
