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Accessible circus show coming to city

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
Circus Starr A woman acting as an interpreter, with her hands moving as her mouth is open. She has brown hair and wears a black shirt, with tattoos on her arms. In the background, a woman in a red coat holding a microphone is blurred.Circus Starr
Circus Starr's shows are held especially for children who are disabled, have additional learning needs, or are disadvantaged

A not-for-profit circus adapted for children with disabilities and additional needs is returning to Wolverhampton.

Circus Starr is a community interest company based in Congleton, Cheshire, which makes shows for children with disabilities or life-limiting conditions, families on low incomes, and those suffering from domestic violence or bereavement.

The performances in Wolverhampton will be held at 13:30 BST and 16:00 at Perton Civic Centre on Saturday 31 May.

Describing itself as "the circus with a purpose", the organisation claims to be the first circus to welcome an interpreter to its events.

Circus Starr A woman with long curly brown hair performs on a stage. She wears a red coat and a black hat, while holding a microphone. She stands in front of a light blue cloud backdrop with gold stars on it.Circus Starr
Tickets are free, with Circus Starr relying on donations to host its events

A spokesperson for Circus Starr said: "Providing a British Sign Language signer means that deaf audience members will be involved in all aspects of the performance, so that they won't miss a thing.

"Circus Starr are passionate about sharing their magical art form with those who usually miss out through no fault of their own."

The organisation adapts its events to suit its audience, by lowering the volume, turning down lights, providing sensory packs, and offering free tickets.

Circus Starr A performer with very high gelled hair wears a silver suit and lies with his arms sprawled out on a desk. He is on a stage with a dark blue backdrop with twinkling lights on it.Circus Starr
The performances in Wolverhampton will be held at Perton Civic Centre on Saturday 31 May

Circus Starr relies on donations to hold their events.

Fundraising director Michelle Crossley said: "We love sharing our fun events with those who usually miss out. Whilst our show is very visual, it is important to us that those who are deaf can enjoy the performance in its entirety, and we are proud to have the interpreters at each of our shows to help make that possible.

"Thank you so much to the kind businesses who help us continue our valuable work."

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