Too Close To The Sun

Inspired by the Greek legend of Icarus, this is the story of a girl who’s weighed down by the responsibility of the environmental crisis. She dreams of the boy Icarus and begins to work out her escape. This is the story of a girl who’s learning to fly.
At one with the wind, this is what it is to be free. To soar. She soars up … up … and away … and the world below becomes smaller and smaller. Too Close To The Sun is about the power of imagination and the sheer determination that lets you fly when forces all around are weighing you down.
The award-winning Barrowland Ballet use intricate choreography, spoken word and humour to tell this evocative new story. Bringing together Natasha Gilmore’s dynamic choreography, alongside acclaimed collaborators playwright Robert Alan Evans, composer Davey Anderson and designer Fred Pommerehn, to create this stunning new production.
Commissioned by Imaginate
For ages 7+
In association with Platform and The Work Room, supported by Tramway and through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.
“★★★★ Visually captivating slice of dance-theatre takes flight”
The List
“★★★★ The audience sits in awe... marvellous... dynamic choreography”
Corr Blimey
“★★★★ Thrilling... dance with an exquisite edge of balletic poetry”
The Scotsman
“Enchanting... a well-structured piece of dance theatre which was beautifully choreographed”
Fringe Review
“★★★★ A beautiful, at times daring, work”
The Stage
“The dancers are excellent, their performances fitting of a company of Barrowland’s standing”
Quintessential Review
Creative Team
Co-creators Natasha Gilmore and Robert Alan Evans
Choreographer Natasha Gilmore,Molly Danter, Ilona Gumowska, Charlotte Mclean
Performers Molly Danter, Ilona Gumowska, Charlotte McLean
Composer Davey Anderson
Set Designer Fred Pommerehn
Lighting Designer Alberto Santos Bellido
Costume Designer Alison Brown
Costume Assistant Ailsa Munro
Cinematographer Monika Smekot, George Cameron Geddes
Icarus Otis Bazie-Gilmore
Video Projection Monika Smekot
Production Team Elle Taylor, Craig McNeill, Alberto Santos Bellido, Jamie Wardrop
Producing Team Nicola Denman, Gail Sneddon, Jo Walmsley
Previous Performances
Platform, Glasgow May 2023
Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock May 2023
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling May 2023
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival May – June 2023
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