Hundreds of spectacular Isle of Wight carnival costumes will feature in a special show at Shanklin Theatre next week.
Ad Astra, a spectacle by Shademakers, fuses carnival with theatre, and is heading to Shanklin Theatre on July 30 and 31, from 7.30pm.
Inspired by Wangari Maathai’s fable of the Hummingbird, it tells the story of Kolibri, performed by young dancer Grace Dempsey, who sees her paradise home destroyed.
She flees across land, sea and air to find sanctuary under the guidance of a wise, old falcon, played by Callum Davies, only to realise she must return and help rebuild her home.
From lions and tigers to charging horses, beautiful swans and sea creatures, giant peacocks and an enormous snake, a whole menagerie of creatures will take to the stage, with the show featuring more than 250 Shademakers carnival costumes.
Over the winter, Shademakers showcased many of its costumes in an Ad Astra exhibition at Quay Arts, where visitors could see, up close, the detail and design of the incredible pieces.
Choreographer Lily George, theatre maker Joe Plumb, and the whole team at Shademakers have collaborated to bring the enormous production to the stage, with a community cast of over 60 performers.
Joe Plumb said: “It is a show like no other!
“A logistical challenge getting all these enormous costumes into Shanklin Theatre for the first time.
“It’s a massive spectacle telling an important story through music, drama, dance and carnival that the whole family will enjoy.”
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