The Highgate arts centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, writes Taro Kaneko

Graduates of the National Centre of Circus Arts will be performing on 27th and 28th March at Jacksons Lane

An arts centre has launched its 50th anniversary programme following support from the National Lottery.

Jacksons Lane Arts Centre in Highgate has unveiled events including cabaret, circus, family shows and a street party to help celebrate its with a 50th anniversary year.

The programme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the largest dedicated funder of UK heritage, which donated more than £200,000 to support Jacksons Lane last June.

Jacksons Lane reaches over 72,000 people annually, with a mission to break down barriers to art. The charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations will culminate with a street party on 27th June, with more details being confirmed later in spring.

Adrian Berry, artistic director at Jacksons Lane, said: “Since opening our doors in 1975 in a converted Methodist church, Jacksons Lane has been a hub for arts and community.

“In 2025, we proudly celebrate our 50th birthday, still championing great performances, community projects, and a welcoming space for all.”

The spring programme begins on 17th January with an award-winning cabaret show, An Evening Without Kate, created by internationally-renowned cabaret performer Sarah Louis Young.

Circus director Jason Dupree will be joining forces with choreographer Alise Bokaldere and aerialist Izabele Kuzelyte for a circus show on 25th January, uniting Baltic folk music with hypnotic movement.

Family shows will begin on 26th January with Out of the Box, a family-friendly comedy show led by performance artist Darryl J. Carrington.

David Glass Ensemble and Pearlworks will kickstart their world premiere of Galapagos at the Theatre, a modern myth of courage, rebellion and hope, between 28th January and 2nd February.

On 7th February a show called Naughty Cabaret will showcase drag and comedy followed by Evening of Burlesque and Cabaret on 2nd May.

Seven further circus performances will follow with second year graduates of the National Centre of Circus Arts performing on 27th and 28th March.

Performances of Frog and the Princess and The Wonderland Garden also form part of the anniversary programme on the 9th and 19th February.

For more information and to buy tickets:
Visit jacksonslane.org.uk/contemporary-circus/spring-season-2025/

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