Vicki is an artist working across Circus, Theatre and Outdoor Arts. She is Artistic Director and CEO of Upswing, and has been Creative Director of the Albany since 2022.
Q. Tell us a bit about Upswing and the kind of work that you make.
A: Upswing is a Stoke-on-Trent based, multi-award-winning contemporary circus company. We tell new stories in extraordinary ways and use the human body as a tool to entertain, spark curiosity, and build connections. We love to create experiences that take you beyond the expected and think that everyone benefits when different life experiences come together to create something new. That’s why we’re passionate about amplifying diverse voices, especially those from Black and other Global Majority communities.
Through shows like Showdown, Ancient Futures, and The Princess and the Pea, we’re expanding the possibilities of circus and using it to shape a more connected world.
Q. What kind of performances do you love making?
A: I love making shows that entertain but that also ask the audience a question that they will hopefully mull on beyond the time they are sitting in the show. I enjoy taking people on a journey—whether it’s a fun, energetic ride or a more reflective experience. Something else that is important to me is that the audience feel an active part in making the show alive, I don’t mean audience participation, I mean that people feel actively connected to the show, lean in and give the performers onstage energy. It’s important for circus artists, we literally put our lives on the line to entertain so we want to know that the audience is there and is with us.
Q. What are you most excited about this production?
A: I’m excited about seeing the show every night because we have created a structure for the show that gives the performers choices and permission to find a new journey to the ending each night. I love the fact that I may be surprised by a choice they make. It keeps the show alive for both the artists onstage and the audience.
Q. What have you discovered or learned during the process of making the show?
A: Creating Showdown taught me a lot about using personal and specific experiences not to tell individual stories, but to reflect on larger themes—like the impact of competition on our ability to cooperate. We didn’t set out to showcase a single narrative; instead, we used those personal moments to dive deeper into how competition can shape and influence our collective success.
Q. The show premiered in Berlin last year. What was that experience like, and what are you most excited about bringing the show to the UK (and Deptford in particular)?
A: I’m really excited to bring Showdown to Deptford because, even though we create work for everyone, there’s always a part of me that’s thinking about the people I grew up with here and always thinking about the unique space that is the Albany. It’s hard to shake that feeling, because South London has shaped who I am, and in the back of my mind, I’m always creating with this community in mind. After presenting the show in Berlin, I’m eager to bring it home.
Q. What do you hope audiences take away from watching the performance?
A: I want them first and foremost to have a good night, to see some amazing circus and to still be talking about the show in days to come. I don’t want to tell people what to think about the themes, that is up to them.
Q. Can you describe the show in three words?
A: Energetic, thoughtful, surprising.
Q. Showdown explores the idea of “healthy competition”. Are you competitive? And if you were to compete in a talent contest, what would your special talent be?
A: I don’t think I am [competitive] but I did place a bet with my partner on who could wash up fastest last night. So maybe just a little bit. I’m not sure if it’s a talent but I’ve always thought I’d do well in a pie eating completion.
Showdown has its UK Premiere at the Albany from 1-3 May 2025. You can find out more about the show and book tickets here.
Watch Common Ground, Upswing’s mockumentary about searching for a new Global Majority star to rebrand circus for the 21st Centure.