A Circus Spectacular by Playbox Theatre's Youngest Stars!

ann-evans
12 hours ago
3 min read

Funambulo performed by Playbox Theatre’s Young Production Company, written by Izzie James, directed by Emily Quash, at The Dream Factory, Warwick, from 16-18 May 2025.

Review by Ann Evans

Step right up for the main attraction! Circo Luminara is in town bringing all the colour, excitement and joyfulness of a travelling circus. Roll up and laugh at the clowns, gasp at the daring acrobats, and be amazed by the jugglers.

A spectacular show awaits you starring 50 of Playbox Theatre’s youngest performers in Funambulo – this year’s Young Production Company’s extravaganza. It was written by Izzie James, herself one of the young performers 20 years ago. The fact that she was in the audience with her own daughter made her feel that she had come full circle.

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a riot of colour with the circus troupers already in colourful costume practicing their tricks, and there’s a buzz of excitement in the air waiting for the show to begin.

A raised two-tiered circular platform is at the heart of the stage, beyond this there’s just a few simple wooden boxes, a couple of wooden planks, tall step ladders and some dangling ropes – and these are all the youngsters need to take the audience on a journey with the travelling Circus Luminara.

There’s great enthusiasm from every member of the cast without exception. They all know their place at every moment. They are all so well-rehearsed with their lines, never missing a cue; their dance routines and choreography throughout the performance are spot on. And their energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Even the youngsters given the task of positioning the props do so with flare and grace, making it all part of the show.

A magical story unfolds, of how the circus ends up in the fishing village of Stagnatione. It’s a place that has forgotten how to be happy. It’s still in mourning since the shipwreck that resulted in the lighthouse lamp being switched off forever.

The circus family are determined to do something about it and set about helping the villagers – which humorously has the opposite effect. The owner of the circus ends up in jail at the top of a tower so that a daring escape plan is put into action – cleverly done, as all the special effects are in this production – not least the fabulous ‘cart’ in which the circus folk travel to their next show.

It's a hugely lively show. There’s never a dull moment and the action and humour hold your attention every step of the way. The young performers put their heart and souls into their performances, so well done to all of them – and of course the creatives of Playbox for the great work they do behind the scenes.

Director Emily Quash said, “Growing up, for me, was peppered with wonderful trips to the circus – it was a hugely important part of our family life, and I just loved the smell of the sawdust, the lights, the costumes, the glamour…creating ‘Funambulo’ with Playbox’s young actors has given me the chance to bring some of that delicious circus magic and nostalgia to new audiences, and I am so proud of our talented and hard-working company, who have given everything they have, to bring this beautiful new tale to life”.

Discover more about Playbox Theatre: https://www.playboxtheatre.com