Highgate arts venue's autumn programme announced

New artistic director at Jacksons Lane says he’s “delighted to be doubling down on our commitment as the UK’s home of contemporary circus”

By a Thread Hero (credit Aaron Walker Photography) — *By a Thread* (credit Aaron Walker Photography)

Jacksons Lane has announced its autumn programme – the first curated by the Highgate arts venue’s new creative director.

Launching this September, the “ambitious line-up” features UK premieres, international artists, acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe productions, family shows and opportunities for community participation.

The season signals an “exciting new chapter” for Jacksons Lane as it builds on its reputation as the UK’s leading home for contemporary circus, under the creative leadership of Angus MacKechnie.

Audiences can expect work that blends theatre, juggling, acrobatics, dance, aerial performance, puppetry and storytelling, with artists from Australia, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Germany, Japan, Portugal and across the UK.

The programme opens on Sunday, 6th September with two acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe productions. Australia’s One Fell Swoop presents By a Thread, an exhilarating performance for seven acrobats, 30 metres of rope and two pulleys. It is followed by Finnish-Swedish company OLO Company with Soft Spot, combining juggling, hand balancing and 300 wine glasses.

October sees Jacksons Lane host Thrown Together, London’s Juggling and Flow Arts Festival, while the Mixed Doubles series begins with curated double bills celebrating circus, dance and physical theatre. Beyond circus, the season also includes Mochinosha’s Space Hippo, a visually inventive Japanese shadow puppetry adventure.

The season also launches Jacksons Juniors , a refreshed family programme with more performances than ever before and reduced ticket prices. The programme spans circus, puppetry, dance, ballet and immersive theatre, including SPLAT!, Alice in Wonderland, Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine, and Super Spooky Cabaret for Kids.

In addition to this is Storytelling with the Crick Crack Club. The programme features three family performances as part of Jacksons Juniors, alongside a specially curated evening of storytelling for adult audiences. Bringing together traditional tales, contemporary storytelling and world folklore, the series offers audiences of all ages the chance to experience the power of live storytelling in an intimate setting.

This December, The Jacksons Lane Christmas Cracker launches with six festive productions, including The Elf Factory, The Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio, A Christmas Wish, There’s a Monster in Your Christmas Show and The Ultimate Bubble Show starring Guinness World Record holder Ray Bubbles.

Jacksons Lane creative director Angus MacKechnie (credit Jacksons Lane)

Angus MacKechnie, creative director of Jacksons Lane, said: “If circus is the greatest show on earth, then Jacksons Lane should be the best place to experience it.

“This season I’m delighted to be doubling down on our commitment as the UK’s home of contemporary circus, bringing extraordinary artists from across the UK and around the world to our unique North London venue.

“We’re launching Jacksons Juniors, our dedicated family programme designed to inspire the next generation to discover the magic of live performance and introducing Mixed Doubles, where one ticket offers two outstanding circus companies for the price of one.

“We’re also making our entire programme more accessible through new ticket prices, with £10 tickets available for every show. We want more people than ever to discover the excitement, imagination and wonder of contemporary circus and live performance at Jacksons Lane.”

For full programme information and tickets:
Visit jacksonslane.org.uk/contemporary-circus/jacksons-lane-artistic-programme

For more information about Jacksons Juniors:
Visit jacksonslane.org.uk/contemporary-circus/jacksons-juniors

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