Nofit State Circus Brings Revamped BIANCO to London Tonight

Following a critically-acclaimed world tour, the UK's leading circus company NoFit State bring their ground-breaking promenade show BIANCO to London's Southbank Centre for the first time, running tonight 23 November 2016 - 22 January 2017.

BIANCO returns to London-more impressive and spectacular than ever before-for the first time since its successful run at the Roundhouse in 2013. Pioneers of contemporary circus, NoFit State bring their silver spaceship Big Top to Southbank Centre's Hungerford Car Park this winter, creating a new and memorable addition to London's iconic landscape.

BIANCO is a promenade experience unlike any other. With innovative rigging and counter-weighting techniques, BIANCO takes place above, behind and all around the audience, in an up-close and all-consuming theatrical spectacular.

The boundaries between artist and audience are broKen Down, immersing them in an intimate world of breath-taking and powerful performances, accompanied by an electrifying live band with an eclectic original score.

Rather than relying on a linear narrative, BIANCO takes the audience on a journey of individual interpretation, creating a unique experience for all spectators. A production where the music, costumes, props, lighting and design influence the action as much as the story, BIANCO creates a personal experience that is engaging and accessible for all ages.

Rupert Thomson, Senior Programmer for Performance and Dance, Southbank Centre said, "We're absolutely delighted to be welcoming the world-class NoFit State company to Southbank Centre this winter, with a revamped version of their hit circus show BIANCO. There is a great spirit to the company, and the style with which they work carries through beautifully to the show itself. NoFit State will offer audiences something altogether different and we can't wait to have them apart of our jam-packed and diverse winter programme."

Tom Rack, Artistic Director, NoFit State said, "We are thrilled to be bringing BIANCO back to London, and to Southbank Centre for their Winter Festival supported by NatWest. This is the first time the show has performed in England in 3 years, and it's going to be great to spend this winter closer to home".

"BIANCO has captivated and captured the hearts and minds of audiences in Hong Kong, New York, Australia, and in every corner of Europe. We are sure that London is going to love this raw, raucous and infectious contemporary circus experience."

BIANCO is directed by Firenza Guidi, with music direction by David Murray, production design by Saz Moir, lighting by Adam Cobbley, costumes by Rhiannon Matthews and rigging design by Lyndall Merry.

Bringing together some of the most talented international circus performers with a diverse range of skills, the company of BIANCO includes Lyndall Merry (Head Rigger/Performer), Joachim Aussibal, Junior Barbosa, François Bouvier, Edd Casey, Delia Ceruti, Augusts Dakteris, Jani Foldi, Enni Lymi, Felipe Nardiello, Jessica O'Connor, Danilo Pacheco, Blaze Tarsha, Lee Tinnion, Cecilia Zucchetti, and musicians Matt Collins, Doug Kemp, Annette Loose, and Andy Moore.

NoFit State Circus presents BIANCO in partnership with Southbank Centre as part of Winter Festival supported by NatWest.

Southbank Centre is the UK's largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sits in the midst of London's most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain. Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection.

Southbank Centre is carrying out vital restoration work on the Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room to make the buildings fit for future generations to enjoy, more information can be found here: letthelightin.southbankcentre.co.uk.

Southbank Centre's Winter Festival supported by NatWest returns for the 2016 holiday season with sparkling events and activities across the Southbank Centre site. The programme is once again packed with fun and entertainment for all ages, from worldwide smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet to immersive promenade show BIANCO by UK's leading circus company NoFit State. With the full programme still to be announced, this year's Winter Festival has something for everyone this festive period. For more information, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/winter-festival.

NoFit State was founded 30 years ago in Cardiff, Wales, by a group of friends who shared a similar vision for life and their role within society.

The company has now grown into an internationally renowned circus, still fuelled by the passion and commitment of their founding members. For NoFit State, circus is not just an art form but a way of life: the company create, tour, learn and live together.

NoFit State is driven by the desire to create powerful performances that push the boundaries of accepted art forms in revelatory ways. Their mission is shaped by, and responds to, the political, social and cultural context around them.

NoFit State balances local engagement and education programmes with national and international touring at a variety of scales. They have toured to over 15 countries.

IF YOU GO:

BIANCO

NOFIT STATE CIRCUS

NOFIT STATE'S BIG TOP IN HUNGERFORD CAR PARK, Southbank Centre

23 NOVEMBER 2016 - 22 JANUARY 2017

Press Night: Tuesday 29 November

Performances: Tuesday - Friday: 7.30pm; Saturday: 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sunday: 5.00pm

Seasonal Performances: Wednesday 21 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Friday 23 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Monday 26 December, 7.30pm; Tuesday 27 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Friday 30 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Monday 2 January, 5pm; Friday 6 January, 7.30pm; and Saturday 7 January, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Ticket Prices: £39.50, £30, £25

Family Ticket Offer: Family ticket offer at £50 for preview shows only; Family ticket offer at £88 for December matinee only

Student Tickets Offer: Student half price ticket offer; Limited availability

Groups Offer: 20% off groups of 10+; Applicable to all shows

Main Booking Line: 0207 960 4200

NoFit State Circus Workshops at Southbank Centre:

Saturday 3 December and Sunday 4 December 2016

NoFit State Circus offer a variety of workshops in Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall for all ages and abilities.

Children aged 7-12 years have the opportunity to explore soft youth circus skills including juggling, hula hoop, basic tumbling, poi, plate-spinning, diabolo and scarf juggling. A tight-wire area allows parents/guardians to help their child walk the tight-wire with a helping hand.

Ages 12+ and adults can explore additional skills including club and ball juggling, acrobalance and advanced tumbling.

The 45 minute workshops take place at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.

For further details, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.

Pre-show Q&As:

Thursday 5 January and Tuesday 10 January 2017

Free pre-show Q&A with purchased tickets for BIANCO (limited availability)

The company and creative team discuss how BIANCO is created in a 45 minutes Q&A.

For further details, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.

NoFit State's Big Top in Hungerford Car Park, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX, For more information, visit southbankcentre.co.uk, go to southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/winter-festival or visit nofitstate.org.

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