Rochdale Observer

Magical show travels through time and history

- REVIEW: STEVE COOKE

●●SKYLIGHT Circus Arts present ‘Sparrow Hill’ - A Circus Show

SPARROW Hill was Skylight’s most ambitious new circus show to date, and a roaring success!

The iconic Parish Church of St Chad was transforme­d into a circus venue echoing times gone by with an exhilarati­ng medieval feel.

For the past six months, Skylight’s large cast of community and profession­al performers have researched the histories and mysteries of Skylight’s home on Sparrow Hill to co-create this wonderful, uplifting, magical circus show.

From the myth of the moving stones to famous artists, the odd hedgehog and even a giant pop-up book, they took us on a thrilling journey through 1,000 years of local history in a stunning setting.

The audience was delighted and inspired by a vast range of performers from eight to 88 years old!

Of all shapes, sizes and abilities, a truly inclusive troupe. Up in the air and on the ground, Sparrow Hill stories were brought to life through spectacula­rly awe-inspiring circus skills.

Creative director Martine Bradford was central to the cohesivene­ss and inclusivit­y of Sparrow Hill, performing while ensuring that even the most challenged of participan­ts were able to put on a great show.

Produced by Skylight Circus Arts, director Gil Burns, associate director Grania Pickard, music composed and recorded

by Steven Broomhead, design by Kerrith Ogden, technical and stage management University of Salford technical theatre students with special guests and live music superbly performed by award-winning local young musicians ‘Chords and Fiddles.’

A huge thanks and congratula­tions to all involved.

 ?? Ian Hodgson ?? ●●Skylight Circus Arts - Battling goblins for St Chad’s Church stones
Ian Hodgson ●●Skylight Circus Arts - Battling goblins for St Chad’s Church stones
 ?? Ian Hodgson ?? ●●Skylight Circus Arts - local musicians Chords and Fiddles
Ian Hodgson ●●Skylight Circus Arts - local musicians Chords and Fiddles

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