Street theatre company to open new series in Newport
One of the most visually striking companies in UK carnival theatre is due back on the streets of Newport this August as part of the city’s Illuminated Carnival.
Shademakers UK, based on the Isle of Wight, will present the opening instalment of a new production titled Danse Macabre – The Fool on Thursday 20 August. The troupe have been invited to appear in Newport’s evening procession and organisers say the piece will be a highlight of this year’s illuminated programme.
The company describe the performance as the first chapter of a wider narrative that will tour Island carnivals through the summer. In the new tale, Newport is assigned the role of a starting point in the story, where “Harlequino and his band of circus oddities” will parade and perform their “twisted games”.
“We are devilishly delighted to be bringing the haunting tale of Danse Macabre to Island Carnivals this summer and kicking off with the first part of our story at Newport Illuminated,” said choreographer Lily George.
Newport Illuminated Carnival’s organisers welcomed the return after a short absence and highlighted the role of local support in securing the appearance. Carnival chair Shane Thornton paid particular tribute to a donation from Newport Craft Market, noting a £1,000 contribution last year that helped make Shademakers’ return possible.
What to expect on the night
Details released by organisers indicate the production will combine procession, choreographed movement and distinctive carnival costume and props. Shademakers have a reputation for large-scale, theatrical street performances and have previously been a notable feature of Island carnivals.
- Event: Newport Illuminated Carnival
- Performance: Danse Macabre – The Fool by Shademakers UK
- Date: Thursday 20 August
- Local support: £1,000 donation from Newport Craft Market
The presence of Shademakers is intended not only to entertain but also to draw attention to the wider carnival season across the Isle of Wight. For Newport, securing the opening chapter of a new series brings the city into the centre of that creative narrative for 2026.
Local benefits and the bigger picture
Illuminated carnivals can bring a notable evening boost to town centres, attracting residents and visitors to shops, cafes and markets in the hours around the procession. For community-led events such as Newport’s, partnerships between volunteer organisers, local traders and performance companies are frequently vital to delivering larger-scale acts.
Organisers said they were pleased to be welcoming back familiar carnival attractions alongside the new Shademakers piece. The return of this particular troupe will be closely watched by regular carnival-goers, theatre enthusiasts and families seeking an evening spectacle.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Shademakers UK |
| Production | Danse Macabre – The Fool (first chapter) |
| Date | Thursday 20 August |
| Support | Newport Craft Market donation: £1,000 |
Further logistical details — such as the route and start time for the illuminated procession, road closures or spectator arrangements — have not been published by organisers in the material released so far. Residents planning to attend should consult the Newport Illuminated Carnival’s announcements for timings and any guidance on parking or public transport for the evening.
Bringing a touring street theatre company to Newport underlines the town’s role in the Isle of Wight carnival circuit this summer. For local audiences, the appearance will be a chance to see the opening of a new theatre sequence in a familiar setting, supported by community fundraising and carnival volunteers.
