Brand new dance extravaganza to arrive at the Parkway Cinema

Tickets are now on sale for a dance extravaganza at the Parkway Cinema, Barnsley, that will see the historic building come alive like never before.

The Palace of Varieties has been created by Barnsley’s very own award-winning Gary Clarke Company, a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, (COAL and WASTELAND).  The production has been made possible through the support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).  

The performance races through the decades, unearthing the rich histories and untold tales of the cinema. From blazing fires to iconic film, and heated court cases to wildflower lawns, the Gary Clarke Company’s ramshackle traveling performance troupe will take you on a thrilling ride through stories past.

Bringing together Gary Clarke’s epic dance storytelling performed by a company of incredible dancers, vivid moving images by award-winning filmmaker Josh Hawkins and a specially commissioned sound score by Otis Jones, and costume designed by Hannah Boothman, it's a truly unique experience.

There are two performances in the Parkway Cinema. Friday, 29 September at 7pm and Saturday, 30 September at 2pm, with tickets costing £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Fun for all the family, this new dance theatre show from one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies is not to be missed.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “The Parkway Cinema has been loved throughout the decades and has been a hub for creativity and entertainment. It’s wonderful that this new performance, by the award-winning and Barnsley based Gary Clarke Company, will be shown there showcasing the history of the building in a new and imaginative way. People of all ages will love the performance and discover more about its fascinating past.”

Gary Clarke, said: “Having recently been named as one of Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisations, it is great to be based in Barnsley, creating a dance work about Barnsley and its rich histories. Making work in the cinema is a fun experience and gives my choreography new dimensions to work with. I am so proud to be from the town, have seen a huge transformation over the current years, and thrilled that Gary Clarke Company can add to its flourishing art and culture' in this great new project'. 

This project is supported by Barnsley Council, Eldon High Street Heritage Action Zone, The Parkway Cinema, Yorkshire Dance and DQ Dance Academy.

Tickets are available at https://barnsleyparkway.admit-one.eu/?p=details&eventCode=81290