Preview: Extraordinary Bodies: Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

Preview: Extraordinary Bodies: Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror, the brand-new musical from Extraordinary Bodies and their most ambitious production to date, comes to MAST Mayflower Studios from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 May.

Set in 1933 Brandenburg, the Nazis are burning books and suspending civil rights.

Many are desperate to escape, but for Waldo and his travelling circus of outcasts, acrobats and aerialists, the show must go on.

The cast includes a bold and diverse company of actors, musicians and aerialists to bring this daring tale of humanity, courage and defiance to the stage in Extraordinary Bodies inimitable style.

The role of Waldo the Ringmaster is played by award-winning writer, actor and director Garry Robson – a familiar face on television for lead roles in CBBC’s game show, Crisis Control, BBC Wales’, Pitching In, and BBC One’s, Silent Witness.

Abbie Purvis joins Extraordinary Bodies for the first time in the role of Krista, the star of the circus, whose credits include Willow (filmed in 2022),  and she is joined by Dominic Owen playing Gerhard – a Nazi Party member drawn towards the magic of Waldo’s Circus.

Mirabelle Gremaud plays Dr Margot Hoche and Queenie, Raphaella Julien and Brooklyn Melvin play the clowns. Mish and Mosh, respectively, Jack Reitman plays Joseph Benowitz – the owner of a rival circus, JoAnne Haines plays Dora, Tilly Lee-Kronick plays the ring Boy, Peter Günter, Jonny Leitch plays circus performer, Renèe, and Ryan Murphy plays Darragh Finnegan and Wilhelm.

The company is completed by musicians Dave Johnzy and Harriet Riley.

Tickets for Extraordinary Bodies: Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror (4 – 6 May) are on sale at mayflowerstudios.org.uk or 02380 711811.

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