Scotland’s Danny MacAskill Joins Incredible International Artists As Underbelly’s Circus Hub Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Underbelly’s Circus Hub welcomes an incredible diversity of the world’s best circus companies to mark 5th year on Edinburgh Festival Fringe

11 outstanding shows, from 6 countries, showcasing an eyewatering array of contemporary and traditional circus skills

Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Show Live, the best-known street trials show in the world, makes long-awaited Fringe debut

Premieres from world leading circus companies; Australia’s YUCK Circus and Company 2’s Le Coup, Finland’s Race Horse Company with Super Sunday, USA’s Short Round Productions with Filament, Canada’s Les Foutoukours with Kombini

Return of smash hit Fringe favourites; CIRCA’s Humans, Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club and Splash Test Dummies

Tickets go on sale Wednesday 10th April at 10am

Marking its 5th year on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Underbelly’s Circus Hub 2019 programme announced today offers audiences of all ages a tantalising balance of world-leading innovative contemporary circus, traditional theatrical clowning, gravity-defying trial riders and debauched late-night cabaret and burlesque, all of which will take your breath away.

In 2015 Underbelly took the bold move to create a new venue on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe dedicated to circus. Now in its 5th year The Circus Hub is firmly established as the Fringe venue to experience the very best contemporary circus the world has to offer, and all from the lush pastures of The Meadows.

With a proud nod to Edinburgh’s circus history, The Circus Hub’s two venues The Lafayette and The Beauty provide the perfect space to host both ambitious large-scale productions, packed with skilful risk and grand spectacle in The Big Top, alongside intimate stripped-back performance and raucous late-night cabaret in The Spiegeltent.

Featuring a heady mix of international, Scottish and Fringe premieres, the 2019 Circus Hub programme presents fresh new shows alongside the mighty return of much-loved Fringe favourites.

The Lafayette
Highlights from The Big Top include; Scotland’s own, YouTube sensation Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Show Live. After five years touring the world, Drop and Roll makes its much-awaited Edinburgh Fringe Debut with a brand-new show led by world-famous trials rider Danny MackAskill. MacAskill is joined by highly acclaimed trials rider and fellow Scotsman Duncan Shaw, plus more athletes to be announced. Hosted by extreme sports commentator Henry Jackson, the hour-long show includes crowd plenty of participation plus prizes to be won throughout. Expect an action-packed display of gravity-defying tricks, guaranteed to amaze children and adults alike! Straight from LA, Short Round Productions present the UK Premiere of Filament, a show bursting onto the scene as amazing circus skills collide with a story inspired by your favourite 80s teen movies. This fresh take on acrobatic theatre dives into the trials and tribulations of growing up and discovering who you are, all set to a backdrop of dazzling lights and an infectious soundtrack. Making its Fringe Premiere, Finland’s outstanding Race Horse Company present Super Sunday, a frantic combination of the company's innovative circus skills, a humorous rollercoaster ride, a boneheaded approach and endless dark humour. Oh yes, and there’s a Wheel of Death, a double trampoline, two human catapults, teeter board, acrobatic balls, Russian bar, and floor acrobatics.

Five-star Fringe favourite Circa (Closer, Beyond, Wunderkammer) returns with Humans after its 2017 blockbuster season. Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa ensemble, Humans is thrillingly fearless, boundary-pushing circus at its best. Ten acrobats take audiences on a stirring journey of what it means to be human. Much-loved Circus Hub scamps, Splash Test Dummies are back, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous.

THE BEAUTY
Get ready to witness a powerhouse of female circus performers kick art in the face! Making their European Premiere, YUCK Circus, the award-winning cast of elite circus artists is bringing its true stories of young Australian womanhood to the stage and sky, using impressive acrobatics and aerial performance to get into the grotesque of beauty standards, bougie art, and unrelenting menstruation. Continuing the action from Australia, Company 2 (Cantina and Scotch & Soda) presents a new work Le Coup, transforming the Spiegeltent into a late-night neo-vaudeville speakeasy. A place where hard-hitting travelling entertainers clash with the glamour of high society. Daring acrobatics, aerial feats and twisted tails are supported by the live sounds of none other than musical masters Father Grant and The Blunt Objects. Also making its Fringe Premiere, Canada’s Les Foutoukours presents Kombini, an utterly magical show which mixes modern theatricality with traditional Russian clowning. Exasperated of waiting for the biggest international theatres’ call, they decide to accept the unthinkable contract... a child's birthday. The company have been commissioned by Cirque Du Soleil’s 45 Degrees, performed all over Europe and are excited to bring this creative brand of circus performance to the UK for the first time. The family fun continues with Hotel Paradiso, also making its Fringe Premiere presented by one the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies, Lost in Translation. The cast of 6 highly skilled acrobats, clowns and jugglers tell the story of how the tenants battle to save their home and livelihood. Circus favourites Lost in Translation display a colourful mix of daring circus skills, physical comedy and theatre. The show also features a specially written musical score by renowned composer and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno. With thrills, gasps, laughs and drama there’s plenty for both adults and children to enjoy.

Multi-award-winning mistress of mayhem, Bernie Dieter (star of La Clique) returns following a smash-hit 2018 Fringe and international success with Little Death Club. Alongside her hilariously degenerate family of fantastic freaks, Bernie returns with gin-soaked, Weimar-punk jazz band soundtracks, hazy nights of dangerously funny kabarett, breath-taking circus and fire-breathing sideshow at its most inappropriate, provocative and hilarious best. If that’s not enough late-night action, Australia’s Highwire Entertainment presents Rouge, a circus for grown-ups which features a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and twisted burlesque.

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows runs from the 2nd – 24th August 2019.

Lauren Eisinger, Festivals Programmer and Producer for Underbelly said “August marks five years of Circus Hub on the Meadows and this year we’re presenting Underbelly’s strongest programme to date. We have a spectacular programme featuring some of the most exciting artists and companies from around the globe. It’s especially exciting to have Scotland’s own Danny MacAskill in his first appearance at the Fringe 10 years since his incredible Edinburgh film brought him to the attention of world; as well as Super Sunday by Race Horse Company all the way from Helsinki with some of the most innovative circus and daredevil stunt work ever seen on stage; and Filament from Short Round Productions in the USA whose artists and creatives have lent their talents to international powerhouses like Cirque Du Soleil and Seven Fingers.

“This year Underbelly’s Circus Hub has a programme of shows you won’t see anywhere else in the world – be prepared to be inspired, thrilled and totally amazed.”

Visit Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe for further information and tickets

Keep up to speed with Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe on Facebook: @underbellyedinburgh, Twitter: @followthecow and Instagram: @underbellyedinburgh

LISTINGS

Splash Test Dummies
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Lafayette, 3rd – 24th Aug, (1.00pm), (no show Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd – 24th, £12.50 (£11.50)

Weekday: 7th - 8th, 13th – 15th, 19th – 22nd, £11.50 (£10.50)

Rub-a- dub-dub, The Dummies are back with their "splashingly awesome adventure" (Edinburgh Festival for Kids) set to drown you in tears of laughter. From the makers of hit show Trash Test Dummies! Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. Join the Dummies and come diving from bathtubs to beaches in this aquatic adventure!

Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Show Live
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Lafayette, 3rd – 24th Aug, (3.00pm) and 7th, 12th, 19th August, (7.00pm), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £20.00 (£18.00)

Weekday: 7th - 8th, 12th – 15th, 19th – 22nd £18.50 (£16.50)

Led by world-famous trials rider and YouTube sensation Danny MacAskill, Drop & Roll make their long-awaited Edinburgh Fringe debut with a brand-new show featuring jaw-dropping stunts! Joining Danny will be highly acclaimed trials rider and fellow Scotsman Duncan Shaw, plus more athletes to be announced. Hosted by extreme sports commentator Henry Jackson, the hour-long show includes crowd participation plus there are prizes to be won throughout. Expect an action-packed display of gravity-defying tricks, guaranteed to amaze children and adults alike!

Filament
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Lafayette, 3rd – 24th Aug, (5.00pm), (no show Wednesday 7th, Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 70 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £18.00 (£16.50)

Weekday: 8th, 13th – 15th, 20th – 22nd, £17.00 (£14.50)

Bursting onto the scene with passion, emotion, and talent, Los Angeles’ Short Round Productions presents Filament. Amazing circus skills collide with a story inspired by your favourite 80s teen movies to create “a welcome change from the formula adhered to by many other circus shows” (The Adelaide Review). This fresh take on acrobatic theatre dives into the trials and tribulations of growing up and discovering who you are, all set to a backdrop of dazzling lights and an infectious soundtrack. “A cocktail of circus, storytelling and sex appeal... [Filament] isn't your typical circus show” ***** (Weekend Notes).

Circa: Humans
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Lafayette, 2nd – 24th Aug, (7.00pm), (no show Wednesday 7th, Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Preview: 2nd August, £12.00

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £18.00 (£17.00)

Weekday: 8th, 13th – 15th, 20th – 22nd, £20.00 (£19.00)

Five-star Fringe favourites Circa (Closer, Beyond, Wunderkammer) return after their 2017 blockbuster season. This is thrillingly fearless, boundary-pushing circus at its best. Ten acrobats take us on a stirring journey of what it means to be human, and how our bodies, our connections, and our aspirations all form part of who we are. Created by Yaron Lifschitz, Humans asks how much can we take – how much weight can we carry? Who can we trust to support our load? 'The rock stars of the circus world' ***** (List).

Super Sunday
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Lafayette, 2nd – 24th Aug, (9.00pm), (no show Wednesday 7th, Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd -25th, £19.50 (£18.50)

Weekday: 2nd, 8th, 13th – 15th, 20th – 22nd, £17.50 (£16.50)

Race Horse Company's massive international success Super Sunday is colourful, vivid and perky and was born out of the possibility of implementing our wildest dreams and bringing them onstage. Super Sunday is a combination of the company's basic elements in a humorous rollercoaster ride with a bone headed approach and endless black humour. The death wheel was originally a new discipline for all of the performers and you’ve never seen it performed like this before. Super Sunday also includes double trampoline, two human catapults, teeter board, acrobatic balls, Russian bar, and floor acrobatics.

Hotel Paradiso
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 13th – 24th Aug, (12.10pm), (no show Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £15.50 (£14.50)

Weekday: 13th - 15th, 20th – 22nd, £14.50 (£13.50)

The cast of 6 highly skilled acrobats, clowns and jugglers tell the story of how the tenants battle to save their home and livelihood. Circus favourites Lost in Translation display a colourful mix of daring circus skills, physical comedy and theatre. Hotel Paradiso also features a specially written musical score by renowned composer and multi instrumentalist Roger Eno. With thrills, gasps, laughs and drama there’s plenty for both adults and children to enjoy.

Kombini
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 3rd – 24th Aug, (2.00pm), (no show Tuesday 13th, Tuesday 20th), runtime 80 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £12.50 (£11.50)

Weekday: 7th - 8th, 12th, 14th – 15th, 19th, 21st – 22nd, £15.00 (£14.00)

Two clowns struggle to change their day-to-day life. Exasperated of waiting for the biggest international theatres’ call, they decide to accept the unthinkable contract... a children's birthday. Their life is then revealed to you. An exuberant appearance often hides a disturbing sensitivity. While the laughter bursts, their distress swells slowly. In their quest of fame, will they manage to be loved?

YUCK Circus
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 3rd – 24th Aug, (4.00pm), (no show Wednesday 7th, Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £15.50 (£14.50)

Weekday: 8th, 13th - 15th, 20th – 22nd, £13.50 (£12.50)

Winner: Top-tier FRINGEWORLD Martin Sims Award 2019. Winner: Adelaide Tour-Ready Award 2019. Winner: Best Circus FRINGEWORLD Weekly 2019. Sugar, spice, and apparently "nice". With our bloody good sense of humour, we're going to rip into the uncomfortable using high-flying acrobatics, absurd confessions and groovy dancing. Get ready to witness a powerhouse of female circus performers kick art in the face. ‘Everything contemporary circus should be’ (Danny Delhunty, Melbourne Fringe Producer).

Le Coup
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 3rd – 24th Aug, (6.00pm), (no show Monday 12th, Monday 19th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd - 24th, £19.00 (£18.00)

Weekday: 7th - 8th, 13th – 15th, 20th – 22nd, £17.00 (£16.00)

Company 2 the company that brought you the smash hits Cantina and Scotch & Soda are back with a new work Le Coup. A late night neo-vaudeville speakeasy. A place where hard-hitting travelling entertainers clash with the glamour of high society. Daring acrobatics, aerial feats and twisted tails. Supported by the live sounds of none other than musical masters Father Grant and The Blunt Objects. Frock up for a night out at Le Coup – a fleeting moment where there’s nothing to lose and everything to gamble.

Little Death Club
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 3rd – 24th Aug, (8.00pm), (no show Monday 12th), runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd -24th, £18.00 (£17.00)

Weekday: 7th - 8th, 13th – 15th, 19th – 22nd, £16.00 (£15.00)

WINNER “Pick of the Fringe” Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award 2017 and 2018. The darkest, funniest and most debauched Kabarett Club this side of Berlin! A gin soaked, Weimar-punk jazz band soundtracks a hazy night of dangerously funny kabarett, breath-taking circus and fire-breathing sideshow at its most inappropriate, provocative and hilarious best. Join multi-award-winning mistress of mayhem, Bernie Dieter (star of La Clique, EastEnd Cabaret) with her riotous, witty, and hilariously degenerate family of fantastic freaks for an unmissable night in the Spiegeltent.

Rouge
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on The Meadows, The Beauty, 3rd Aug – 24th Aug, (9.50pm) and 12th, 19th Aug, (6.00pm) runtime 60 mins

Weekend: 3rd – 6th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd -24th, £15.50 (£14.50)

Weekday: 8th, 12th - 13th, 15th, 19th - 20th, 22nd, £14.50 (£13.50)

Circus for grown ups: a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and twisted burlesque. Weeklies winner Best Circus Adelaide Fringe 2018 and Fringeworld 2019. 'Welcome to a circus for the new age... Brilliant performances covered with rhythm and attitude with a certain aura permeates the venue that embodies the phrase "Filthy and Gorgeous"' (WeekendNotes.com). 'The performance is so high energy, so passionate and executed with such abandon that it can't help but leave you feeling elated and empowered... if you aren't turned on by this you might want to consult a physician, because you're probably clinically dead' (SmutButtons.com).

About Underbelly
Underbelly is a UK based live entertainment company. Their events and festivals division operates one of the largest operations at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, selling over 460,000 tickets for over 200 shows, in 22 venues over 25 days in 2018.

2018 was the sixth year Underbelly produced Edinburgh’s Christmas for City of Edinburgh Council which saw 771,074 tickets sold to visitors from more than 40 countries, and the second year of producing Edinburgh’s Hogmanay also on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, which welcomed 160,000 over 3 days.

2019 marks the eleventh year of Underbelly Festival on the Southbank - one of the biggest multi-arts offerings in London and London’s original pop-up festival, with over 140 shows programmed over 6 months on the South Bank.

Underbelly also produces Christmas in Leicester Square, Udderbelly Festival in Hong Kong, West End Live in Trafalgar Square for Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre.

Underbelly Productions is the theatrical arm of Underbelly, presenting, producing and promoting a diverse programme of international work. In 2017, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, they produced a major revival of the classic musical Five Guys Named Moe, which ran for 30 weeks at the purpose built Marble Arch Theatre. This scorching production garnered rave reviews and was nominated for 3 WhatsOnStage Awards (including Best Musical Revival) and as Best Entertainment and Family at the 2018 Olivier Awards. In 2017 they were also Associate Producers on the UK Premiere of the musical Big Fish starring Kelsey Grammar, which enjoyed a sold-out Christmas run at The Other Palace. As part of the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Don’t Tell Me Not to Fly a one-woman cabaret featuring a revolving cast of some of the West End’s favourite leading ladies premiered in the 900 seater McEwan Hall.

In 2018 Underbelly sold over 1.5 million tickets to their various events.