The Unlikely Friendship

Articulation will be sharing regular updates from our members to shine a spotlight on the amazing work emerging from our sector. Today, we’re featuring a stunning new show from Scottish circus artists Vee Smith and Sadiq Ali. The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl incorporates Chinese Pole and Aerial and explores the joy of friendship and the yearning to belong.

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This is our first ever show for young audiences, and it has been a process we have been working on in tandem with our other projects since way back in 2021 when we were awarded a Make Space commission from Catherine Wheels. Making shows for younger audiences was never something either of us had considered before, but we have been delighted by the openness, possibilities and play that it allows us. We went on to be supported by Imaginate as Accelerator Artists in 2023 where we were able to develop this project further, got the chance to visit Europe to see children’s work there, and connect with experienced makers who could give us insights into this sector. 

This leading onto the Imaginate Commission for 2025 was really special for us and we are looking forward to being able to share this exciting new circus work with families in our home town. The show features Chinese Pole, Aerial and Partner Across, and the team we have been working with have created a truly beautiful show. 

If you had asked me when I started my circus journey that I would be making a show for young audiences I would never have believed it, but being part of such an amazing team and festivals has been such a huge privilege. I really hope to see some familiar faces in the audiences…even if you don’t have any wee ones to bring along!