Newcastle-under-Lyme circus founder's story told through new play

The life of Philip Astley has been told in a play at the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire

An original play has been produced to pay homage to one of Newcastle-under-Lyme's most famous sons.

Astley's Astounding Adventures, at the New Vic Theatre, tells the story of Philip Astley, regarded as the founder of the modern day circus in 1768.

It is part of a programme of hundreds of events being held to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the town's beginnings.

It was given its royal charter as a borough in 1173.

Actors Nicholas Richardson and Danielle Bird said they were proud to be part of the production

"There's something so fun about the circus and putting it all together is so humorous, but the level of commitment and drive - I mean there's a huge, charismatic leader in there that's taken some work to flush out authentically," said Nicholas Richardson, an actor in the production.

Another actor, Danielle Bird, added: "It's amazing to be proud of a history and a heritage from where you're from and to learn about that and it's been brilliant to see audiences' reactions."

Philip Astley was born in 1742 when Newcastle-under-Lyme was a thriving market town and a major coaching route to London.

The play will be performed at the theatre until Saturday

He chose his hometown in Staffordshire as the place to build the first of his 19 amphitheatres.

Then, in 1768, on an abandoned patch of land near London's Waterloo, Mr Astley drew out a circle in the ground and filled it with physical acts to astound audiences.

This was seen as the world's very first circus and included jugglers, acrobats, clowns, strong men and bareback riders,

Fiona Wallace, managing director of the New Vic Theatre said: "We really feel that something that has changed the art form across the world has come from this place here and the New Vic wants to celebrate and be part of that."

The show will be held at the theatre until Saturday.