More than 500 people gathered at Gloucester Docks today (Sunday) to witness a breathtaking theatre-on-water performance unlike anything seen in the city before.
At the heart of the spectacle was a huge floating staircase – both stage and challenge – which swayed and shifted precariously as dancers and circus performers climbed and performed on its steps. The tension was palpable as the audience held their breath, wondering if the staircase might tip past the point of no return and send the cast plunging into the water below.
Blending live music, dance, circus and jeopardy, the show delivered drama on a scale rarely experienced in Gloucester. This was the UK debut of The Weight of Water, a daring production created and performed by the acclaimed Dutch company Panama Pictures.
The performance formed part of a weekend of bold outdoor events presented by Gloucester-based arts charity Strike A Light, which has transformed the city’s waterfront into a hub of free performances and unexpected experiences. No tickets, no booking – just turn up and be immersed in extraordinary live art.
Strike A Light is dedicated to bringing world-class performance into everyday spaces, offering unforgettable cultural moments while creating opportunities for young people to engage with the arts – often for the very first time.
The event is part of Strike A Light’s collaboration with Global Streets, a national touring partnership bringing international outdoor performance to cities across the UK.
