It’s wowed the crowds at Edinburgh Fringe and broken box office records in Europe – now the gravity-defying acrobatic production Wolf is set to make its debut in Newcastle.
Tickets go on sale today for the global smash hit, which is set to thrill Civic Theatre audiences for two nights only during this year’s New Annual festival.
Circa’s thrilling production of Wolf will make its Newcastle Civic Theatre debut in October for New Annual after returning from a hugely successful global tour. Image credit: Andy Phillipson
It will mark the return of internationally renowned contemporary circus company, Circa, which transformed the Christ Church Cathedral into an unforgettable performance space as part of New Annual’s 2023 program.
Festival Director Tory Loudon said New Annual offered audiences the chance to experience world-class artists without having to travel to a capital city.
“Circa are one of the world’s best performing arts companies, captivating more than two million people in over 45 countries with their boundary-pushing blend of music, dance, theatre and circus,” Ms Loudon said.
“They made a huge impression on audiences with their sold-out performances at the Cathedral in 2023, so it’s fantastic they’re coming back to Newcastle with a new show that so far has only been seen once before in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to include them as part of this year’s New Annual festival, which offers an exciting and diverse program championing local stories and talent alongside the best of international and Australian live theatre, music and art.”
Wolf has wowed the crowds on its international tour with its thrilling mix of raw energy and physicality
Wolf debuted in Germany in 2024 and has been seen in 12 countries around the world. Its only previous Australian performances to date included two sold out shows in Brisbane last November.
It offers a thrilling mix of acrobatics, artistry and primal instincts, with 10 performers pushing their bodies to the limit as they grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon.
Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz said Wolf delivers an evolution of intense choreographies that overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality.
“Wolf is a savage, thrilling ride, a fierce maelstrom of acrobatic bodies. The way they hold, the way they crash and connect,” Mr Lifschitz said.
“Circus can move you and be a powerful, emotional medium…Wolf is that distilled and clarified.”
New Annual will run from 25 September to 4 October. This will be the sixth edition of City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival.
Other highlights of the program already announced include a new Night Flowers exhibition by internationally recognised former Newcastle photographer Damien Frost, and an immersive art party inspired by his work to be held at Newcastle nightspot Bartholomew’s. Tickets for the Twisted art party are on sale now.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths will once again be transformed into the city’s hottest unexpected live music venue with the return of the free sunset live music sessions, SOAK, while Civic Park will play host to the theatrical-style carnival atmosphere of Spiegeltent during its extended season of Loca Vida.
The full New Annual program will be announced on 31 July. To keep up to date with the latest festival news visit www.newannual.com
Wolf is being presented as a collaboration between Newcastle Civic Theatre and New Annual, with shows on 2 and 3 October. Tickets are on sale now via the Civic Theatre website.
New Annual is delivered by City of Newcastle with funding from the NSW Government in association with a Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Transport for NSW Permit/Plug/Play pilot program and Create NSW. The University of Newcastle is a presenting partner for the 2026 event.
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
