Birdcage Stage

Producers of magical outdoor visual theatre

The Birdcage Stage is a touring outdoor arts organisation specialising in creating visual theatre using a giant golden birdcage structure. They are a collective of artists, circus performers and musicians with a shared vision of making magical and joyful theatrical experiences for all, no matter age, race or background. They use puppetry, aerial theatre, clowning and music to create memorable events that are heart- warming, thought provoking and inspiring, celebrating themes of nature, folklore, mythology, female empowerment, and the environment.

The Birdcage has toured to festivals as a unique performance area for a variety of live acts and has been the focal image for fire gardens, processions and corporate events. We work with a range of organisations from local councils to shopping centres and diverse community groups. Festival tours have included Belladrum, Festival No. 6, Fire in the Mountain, Kendal Calling, Manchester Day and the River Festival. We also offer other outdoor installations and bespoke street theatre, costume walkabout and puppetry.

You can view more of our work on our website:

http://www.birdcagestage.co.uk

And view our showreels here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE38wouJH9g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqBSCtWCOe4

CURRENT TOURING ACTS:

“The Queen of Hearts” is a mesmerising visual spectacle of dance, acrobatics, clowning and aerial theatre. Follow the Queen’s subjects as they try their best to please her after no one turns up to her party. The Queen of Hearts is a fun show for the whole family reimagining what happens in Wonderland when Alice is nowhere to be seen. A story of heartbreak, friendship, status games and silliness, fusing dance theatre, puppetry and costume art.

Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jomL2FOmhdU

“Cartoon Capers”  a slapstick street theatre and circus show inspired by cartoon nostalgia, performed by four comedic, acrobatic women. A family friendly show that is heart-warming and hilarious set within the confines of the Birdcage.

Trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05DDTsTE2Qc

“In the Green Man’s Garden” a thought provoking and uplifting show exploring nature, sustainability and the environment, inspired by Celtic mythology using acrobatics, aerial hoop, clowning and giant puppetry. This show was commissioned by Stanley Arts as part of their Arcadia sustainability programme and was created using sustainable practices and techniques.

“The Corvids” a rock band of naughty crows and ravens playing an eclectic mix of punk, rock, pop, funk songs alongside a robot drummer. The band incorporate a blend of cover songs with original music inspired by folklore, poetry and ornithology. Can be booked without the Birdcage.

“The Cherubs” a musical comedy trio of harmonious and silly cherubs. A mixture of original singing, clowning and puppetry performed by three women.

“Birdy Disco” an interactive Birdcage party like no other! The audience are invited to create their own birdy headdress and dance inside the birdcage alongside our rag-tag gang of costumed bird performers

“The Birdbox Trail” is a sound installation of beautifully decorated colourful birdboxes and bird sculptures. Part art installation, part nature trail, the birdboxes each have their own speaker system and contain sounds from nature, choirs of women singing and spoken word. They have been used for a number of events including Edward Lears Bird trail, and more recently, as part of a winter art installation at Sefton Park Palm House where we worked with local schools to create a bespoke soundscape using songs, poetry and stories celebrating winter memories, nature and wildlife.

Birdcage Stage was formed by Liverpool-based performer, puppeteer and theatre maker Katy-Anne Bellis in 2015 originally created as an installation for Kendal Calling’s Lost Eden.

Katy-Anne is also a freelancer and has worked as a performer, costume and puppet maker, animator, production and project manager since 2007. She has worked in the outdoor arts sector for over 20 years with companies including Lantern Company, Whalley Range Allstars, Frolicked, And Now, Goofus Theatre, Global Grooves, Goofus theatre and Headstrung Puppets, touring, creating, producing and installing work at festivals, events and site specific locations.

You can view more of her work on her website: www.katyannebellis.co.uk