Tightwire Workshop

Ahead of the performance at The Exchange, children and young people can join professional circus artist, tightwire walker and hair hanger Poppy Plowman for an exciting taster session in balancing on ropes, beams and tightwires!

Suitable 5+, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Places limited – advanced booking essential.

Turk(ish) is an empowering, autobiographical show by contemporary circus artist Poppy Plowman, combining live music, high skill, humour and intimate storytelling.

Poppy uses tightwire and hair hanging to explore personal struggles of identity and Western beauty standards. Through her story we follow Poppy as she embraces who she is, encouraging and inspiring audience members to do the same and to nurture an anti-oppressive attitude.

Poppy Plowman is a British circus artist with Turkish Cypriot origins. Here Poppy has collaborated with cellist Zara Hudson and together they combined their passions to create Turk(ish).

About the project

Circus Around and About 2 is a south-west touring circus project, funded by an Arts Council England Lottery Project Grant. The project is led by Take Art with principal partners Crying Out Loud and Extraordinary Bodies, in collaboration with nine presenting partners including Artsreach.

The band’s lively setlist includes Tex-Mex classics like "La Bamba", "Wooly Bully", and "Speedy Gonzales", along with a mix of Spanish ballads and original tunes. The fun-loving spirit of Los Pacaminos is infectious, turning any evening into a celebration of music, rhythm, and great company. The combination of accordion, guitar, and traditional Tex-Mex beats will transport you to the heart of the Southwest, all within the intimate setting of Boisdale. Each member of Los Pacaminos brings something special to the band, With a lineup of seasoned musicians delivering every note with passion, this is a night that will have you singing along and dancing until the very last song. Please note Paul Young will not be appearing this evening as he is recovering from an injury.

An insight behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make Highclere Castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyond. Learn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere's Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Lady Carnarvon also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and, always, the joy of bringing family - and staff - together after a busy year.

Illustrated talk with book signing. Highclere gin and books will be available to purchase