THEATRE REVIEW: Astley's Astounding Adventures - The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-u-Lyme.

As a boy, Philip Astley, born the son of a cabinetmaker in Newcastle-under-Lyme, was obsessed with horses and the prospect of becoming a gentleman. As a young man he became a soldier whose great feats of bravery included capturing the French flag during the Seven Years War and presenting it to King George III who promoted him to the rank of major as a result. Still only in his early 20s when the war ended, he opened a riding school in London which he publicised by selling tickets to trick riding displays. These developed into the beginnings of what we now recognise as the modern circus and 'Astley’s Astounding Adventures' is the story of how it happened.

The character of Philip Astley is brilliantly brought to life by Nicholas Richardson, aided and abetted by his sidekick Alfie (New Vic stalwart Gareth Cassidy) and his wife Patty (the gloriously feisty Danielle Bird). Rather than a straightforward biography, the story is told as a series of scenes from Astley's adventures. The scene of Philip and Patty’s romance takes place with both suspended from aerial silks is exquisite in its beauty and works particularly well in the intimate theatre-in-the-round space of the New Vic’s auditorium.

Every hero has a nemesis of course, in this case Astley’s friend turned competitor Charles Hughes (Adrian Decosta), and the rivalry between the two plays out over the course of the performance. Their encounter in a South London marsh, complete with squelching mud noises, had the audience in stitches. Musical accompaniment is provided throughout by a band under the direction of Farhaan Shah and this adds greatly to the atmosphere.

Two things to watch for especially are Michael Hugo’s portrayal of the clown Harry Oatcake (in fact Hugo’s clowning is hugely entertaining throughout) and Siu-See Hung’s moment of glory as adorable Bert, the Little Military Horse. There is also – this being Circus – a glittering Finale.

If all of this sounds a bit like “The Greatest Showman”, well, there are similarities between the stories of Philip Astley and PT Barnum. Both were strong personalities driven by a complete belief in what they were doing, and both suffered great difficulties and setbacks on the way to becoming established. Nicholas Richardson does call to mind a young Hugh Jackman on occasions as well. The difference is that while “The Greatest Showman” had a multi-million dollar budget and plenty of camera tricks, here the Astley story is brought alive by the magic of theatre and stunning performances from all the cast. The lead actors perform all their own circus tricks. Here there are no stunt doubles, no safety nets and no second chances. It's breathtaking to watch.

I learned quite a bit from watching this production, having been unfamiliar with the Astley story beforehand. Why does a circus Ringmaster wear a red coat? Why is the ring exactly 42 feet in diameter? These questions and more are answered as the story unfolds. 'Astley's Astounding Adventures' is very much in keeping with the New Vic’s eagerness to tell stories with a significant local interest and the mocking which Astley received in London society for his North Staffordshire accent is turned into a joke which runs throughout the production. In Newcastle-Under-Lyme’s 850th anniversary year it is great to celebrate how a man from this unpretentious town changed the world of entertainment forever.

This is fantastic entertainment, theatre at its best and a great evening out for all the family. I loved every minute of it, and it thoroughly merited the warm standing ovation it received at the end.

Get your tickets now! If there is any justice in the world 'Astley's Astounding Adventures' will be completely sold out.

Reviewer - Ian Simpson
on - 26.9.23