Wolverhampton will host an enthralling and gravity defying display of drama on Wednesday 24 July.

Leading UK dance theatre company, Motionhouse, brings its new outdoor show Captive to the city centre as part of the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot initiative.

Captive is currently on tour across the UK and Europe where it is already thrilling audiences, and is a rare chance to see world class entertainment absolutely free of charge. The performances will be taking place in Market Square at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm.

A story of imprisonment brought to life in thrilling fashion by 4 dancers in a large cage, Captive is a breath-taking and highly energetic performance delivered at break neck speed.

The show is the latest creation from Motionhouse's Artistic Director, Kevin Finnan, who choreographed last year's Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony in London which was enjoyed by a TV audience of over one billion people worldwide.

Designed to appeal to both newcomers to dance theatre and existing fans, the show has been described by audiences who saw the recent premiere as; "Absolutely amazing, never seen anything like it before. Amazing strength and talent, I want the world to see it, even better than Spellbound" and, "Love it! So did my 7 year old boy - he was 'Captivated'!"

The performances of Captive have been made possible with support from Black Country Touring, a regional arts organisation who bring professional theatre and dance to Wolverhampton and other local authorities of the Black Country.

Corinne Miller, Head of Culture, Arts and Heritage at Wolverhampton City Council, commented: "We are thrilled to have the fantastic Motionhouse coming into the city centre, and we're sure that this dynamic performance will catch people's attention and imagination. As part of our work on the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot, we want to be able to offer something a bit different to make coming into the city centre appealing to as many people as possible."

Ahead of the performance in Wolverhampton, Kevin Finnan said: "The audience is at the heart of everything Motionhouse does, and the company prides itself on producing shows of outstanding quality that are accessible and enjoyable for all.

"Captive is based on an idea that is far fetched and like something out of a film - for most of us. I am interested in trying to compress a lifetime of experience into one small box, presenting the adrenalin rush of having your entire life condensed suddenly into a small space, as a spectacle performed on the street."

Motionhouse is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Captive forms part of an exciting programme of events to mark the occasion.

  • released: Monday 22 July, 2013