Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show

Much-loved star of Aardman’s animated stable of talent, Shaun the Sheep has had his first world premiere, starring in a new live stage show at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane. Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show features a clever mix of live action acrobatics and on-screen animation that is sure to please the whole family. Even those who have not seen the TV cartoon or feature films will not feel left out – as the giant on-stage screens are used to introduce the characters and the setting at Mossy Bottom Farm. And then it’s over to Brisbane’s Circa! stars to bring the farmhouse shenanigans to life on a huge, lawn-green stage, with space to combine circus skills, movement and mime, slapstick comedy and animation, designed by Scenic Designer, Dan Potra. Director and writer, Yaron Lifschitz has worked up a simple storyline will delight fans of the on-screen and theatre enthusiasts alike as the usual farm animal antics underline a subtle theme about making our own entertainment and throwing away the TV and video game remote controls. In an ironic twist, rather than a circus full of animal tricks, this show’s animal characters highlight the human talent underneath the costumes. And for theatregoers – young and old –  who may not have seen acrobats perform so close, it’s a great chance to be introduced to the magic of theatre that is fun and spectacular, with inspiring human skills at its core.

With costumes that have to allow the performers to safely move about the stage – tumble down hills and fly into the air and hang from spaces above it – Costume Designer, Libby McDonnell certainly has her work cut out for her. The solution is one that sets up the characters while ensuring the performers are unencumbered. But the one thing that is difficult to impart is the individual personalities – and the acrobats are stretching their acting skills with mime and movement – since Shaun and his mates do not use much dialogue. Composer and Sound Designer, Jethro Woodward, and Lighting Designer, Jason Organ, have added their own touches to sharpen the animated effect of the show and keep it crisp. Woodward uses the show’s signature tune but combines it with modern pop. I wonder if more sound effects could work to add to the animated flavour? There is the added fun of live video relays via sheep steady-cam – brilliant work by Video Director, Craig Wilkinson (Optikal Bloc) that gives the energy of animation to the stage setting.

With the TV series and films so successful, you have to wonder why award-winning Aardman is interested in live theatre. But their Attractions and Live Experiences department are producing art exhibitions, theme park attractions and you can’t get a better live experience than the theatre. Having been to Bristol where Aardman has their headquarters, I can see that Bristolians and BrisVegans certainly share a creative vibe and sense of humour – so it’s wonderful to see this collaboration: Aardman’s first-ever circus show and Circa’s first partnering with a branded entity. Hopefully it is a foundation to kickstart other projects for the future.

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Prudence Upton