An extraordinary and unique event is coming to Derby this autumn, bringing together communities, artists and a circus tent in Markeaton Park, celebrating Derby, local people and performance.  It’s part of Derby CAN’s ‘Over To You project’. 

Across the first two weeks of September, Markeaton Park in Derby will play host to a Big Top tent and a series of thrilling circus performances from one of the UK’s most exhilarating and leading contemporary circus companies, Revel Puck Circus, who will delight and enthral audiences with The Wing Scuffle Spectacular.

The Wing Scuffle Spectacular is a joyous, high impact circus show; no animals, no ringmasters, no bad clowns… expect a jaw-dropping performance! Revel Puck’s thrilling circus show will be paired with a different performance each night, all performed by local people and groups from across Derby, to offer audiences a series of exhilarating, exciting and eclectic range of double bills during the 10-day run. These will include- dance, theatre, cabaret, music and some surprises!

Luke Hallgarten , Artistic Director of Revel Puck, said:
“Our aim is to make ordinary people feel extraordinary, finding the pleasure and humanity within circus and allowing our audience to be a part of that energy. Our work is fresh, bold and beautiful. Challenging the preconceptions of what circus is and proving what circus can be.”

Over To You is a celebration of local artistic talent and a range of skills, providing a platform to have their voices heard and their performances shared and celebrated.  Produced by Derby CAN, each artist will be given the opportunity to perform as part of the Double Bill, alongside Revel Puck and The Wing Scuffle Spectacular and receive professional support in their preparation of their show.

Sam Rushton, Derby CAN Producer said:
“Derby has so many wonderful creative and talented people, and as part of consulting with our Derby CAN ambassadors, one of our aims was to create a platform in order for these people to perform, have their voices heard and represent the arts and cultural events that happen in their city. Over to You, however, is much more than a performance opportunity, it is a bespoke programme that has been created alongside the professional performance and circus company Revel Puck to raise aspirations, develop skill sets and raise the profile of practical and labouring skills needed in the creative sectors.”

As part of the spectacular double bill, audiences can expect performances from local groups, including:

Derby Pride

Chinese Welfare Centre

Hoverla, Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

Derby Refugee Solidarity

LGBTQ+ performance with Holly from Circus Strong

Press Night performances (alongside The Wing Scuffle Spectacular) will include bungee aerobic comedy shows to musical theatre and dance. 

Vlod Surma, Co-ordinator of the Ukrainian Community Centre, said:
“Hoverla are a Ukrainian Dance Ensemble that have been proudly keeping Ukrainian traditions alive through Ukrainian folk dancing and music here in Derby since 1972. Now, more than ever, Hoverla believe it’s important to upkeep Ukrainian culture and traditions. All of us at Hoverla are proud to be a part of Derby. Our city embraces the traditions of art, dance and music of many communities, and this brings us all together to a rich and colourful community. We are so excited to be part of this amazing opportunity.”

The Wing Scuffle Spectacular and Over To You takes place between Thursday 15 to Sunday 25 September, Markeaton Park, Derby.

Derby CAN partner quotes:

Rachel Clare, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud, said:
“Crying Out Loud is thrilled to have been part of the ground-breaking project Derby CAN. To have worked as a national partner in the realising of this unique project has been both dynamic and enlightening. It has been a creative and eventful journey throughout lockdown, both in terms of devising the co-creation model wrapped around the Revel Puck Circus, and platforming the new producer voices in the city under the big top in Markeaton Park.”

Sarah Brigham, CEO and Artistic Director of Derby Theatre, said:
“Derby CAN (Creative Arts Network) sits at the heart of our artistic vision and ambition to create, engage and work with our local community. Over the past few years, we, along with our cultural partners in the project, have worked with numerous communities, local people and artists to co-create work in a range of exciting spaces in and around the city. Over to You is a culmination of the project, a celebration and showcase of performance, circus, relationships forged, community and the great people of Derby. Over to You provides a wonderful wealth of opportunities to get involved, try something new…and to enjoy a fantastic night out in the beautiful surroundings of Markeaton Park with family and friends. See you there, it’s going to be one the highlights of the city’s cultural and community calendar this autumn.”  

Steve Slater, CEO of Déda and programme lead for Derby Festé said:
“We are very excited to be working with Derby CAN to deliver an outstanding circus show on Markeaton Park as part of Derby Festé. The event itself will not only showcase incredible talent from Revel Puck, but it will also give opportunities to local performers to get involved. This will be a unique and exhilarating show and we can’t wait.”

The Derby CAN consists of the following partners:

Derby-based National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs): Derby Theatre, Déda, Baby People and QUAD. Strategic National Partners: China Plate, Crying Out Loud and In Good Company. Independent theatre and production companies: Purple Theatre, Not Too Tame, Maison Foo and Wild Rumpus. Other local partners: University of Derby, Derby County Community Trust, Derby City Council and EMBAA.