The Lonesome Boatman

A Circus Musical Odyssey

The Lonesome Boatman is an outstanding circus theatre show for family audiences; a musical clown odyssey, which explores the themes of climate change in a humorous but thought provoking way.

The narrative follows the incredible adventures of Buttons; a corrupt local politician who gets into his bath and sails away on the rising tides. Upon this amazing voyage, Buttons battles with the sea, the elements and his ego (which is a kind of monster).

In the seemingly simplistic setting of a bathtub a multilayered theatrical seascape is created while simultaneously creating a powerful redemption arch. Combining magical realism with circus techniques such as object manipulation, juggling and trapeze to create a unique narrative and poetic universe. The story navigates through many epic states, events and emotions, increasingly propelled by the elements.

This original show incorporates bespoke compositions alongside traditional music with live instrumentation including banjolele, bodhran, tin whistle, spoons, musical saw.

The Lonesome Boatman is a playful story bubbling with comedy, surprises and rubber ducks!