Lyrici Arts Presents Showdown By Upswing SIX ACROBATS. ONE WINNER. WHO WILL BE THE NEW FACE OF CIRCUS? Get ready for Showdown! This high-energy spectacle combines jaw-dropping circus stunts with razor-sharp humour in a one-of-a-kind competition where the audience is invited to vote for their favourite. Six fearless contestants push their limits in a no-holds-barred race to the top, all for the promise of a single prize. Showdown playfully unpacks our obsession with winning, asking: Whats worth sacrificing to come out on top? With each round, we dive deeper into the contestants drive to succeed, while chaos and surprises keep everyone on their toes. Packed with audience interaction, clever comedy, and a bold mix of circus, spoken word, UK HipHop, Grime, and Afrobeat, Showdown explores the idea of healthy competition. Who will you root for to win? Brought to life by an exceptional teamincluding Upswings Artistic Director Vicki Dela Amedume, rising comedy star Athena Kugblenu, and London-based musician Afrikan Boythis show is a thrilling mash-up of heart, hilarity, and high-flying talent. Dont miss it! Press Quotes Powerful, approachable and highly entertaining -Senioren Magazin Showdown is contemporary circus with a narrative voice that is the opposite of quiet. -Berliner-lokalnachrichten A playful exploration of power and competition that is captivating and makes you laugh! -Radioeins Newsletter "Showdown" is a call for courage. Against autocrats, in any industry or function." Nachtkritik A talent show satire that cleverly plays with the mechanisms of the format. With a beautiful message, but without instruction -Berliner Morgenpost A merciless competition totally heightened and as a result funny - RBB Kultur Audience Information: Date: 23rd & 24th July 2025 Times: 23rd July - 6:30pm / 24th July 1pm (relaxed performance) & 6:30pm (BSL Interpreted Performance) Running time:65 -70 Mins (No interval) Access: The relaxed performance will be on Thursday 24th at 1pm. Relaxed Performances have sensory adaptations such as raised lighting and lower sound levels. The BSL interpreted performance will be on Thursday 24th July at 6.30pm. Glassbox Theatre is a wheelchair accessible venue. Age recommendation:Children and families are welcome. The show includes some mild innuendos Audience Warning: Content note: Potentially sensitive topics like racism are discussed. Lighting Note: Stroboscopic lighting effects are used during the course of the production, which may pose an increased health risk to those at risk of epilepsy. Location: Glassbox Theatre, MidKent College, Medway Road, Gillingham, ME7 1FN Cost: 8 This show is part of Lyrici Arts Community Programme, titled Take Centre Stage. Take Centre Stage features a vibrant public programme, showcasing high-quality, Black-led performances and events designed for Medway audiences. This programme activity is kindly funded by Arts Council England, Colyer Fergusson Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Medway Council. It is supported by GlassBox Theatre. Company Information Upswing "Upswing demonstrates the real possibilities that emerge when circus, dance and theatre meet and meld." Lyn Gardner Upswing is a leading , multi-award winning contemporary circus company telling new stories in extraordinary ways. A diverse and female-led organisation, they aim to inspire curiosity and share urgent ideas, especially those relevant to Black and Global Majority communities. With each production, they strive to break new ground in performance, seeking authenticity in the representation of diverse experiences and expanding the possibilities of circus as an art form, pushing the boundaries of what it can be and using it to help us shape the world we want to live in. Upswings work is not confined to theatres and festivals; they reach people in unexpected ways, wherever they are: a digital trail through a local park, a circus takeover in a care home, a large-scale spectacle on a rooftop, or a bedtime story in libraries. Recent work includes: The Princess and the Pea in co-production with the Unicorn and New Vic Theatres, outdoor spectacle Ancient Futures, co-produced with Unlimited Theatre and the award-winning films Common Ground and Circus Flavours on Screen as well as acclaimed family favourites, The Ramshackle House and Bedtime Stories. Website: www.upswing.org.uk Instagram: @upswingaerial | Facebook: @upswing.aerialarts Lyrici Arts Lyrici Arts is a Black led organisation creating theatre and arts programmes that amplify black and diverse stories, creating work and opportunities for local Medway residents. We know that the arts have the power to change lives. Everyone should have the opportunity to be creative and arts exist for all. Website: www.lyriciarts.com