James Thierree, Compagnie Du Hanneton

This is visual theatre to enchant you, delight you, and fill you with wonder.

This is the magical world of acrobat, poet, clown, magician, James Thierrée. Phantasmagorical creations on stage, and intoxicating images somewhere between Salvador Dalí and Tim Burton. Expect the unexpected and you’ll not be disappointed.

The Toad Knew is Thierrée’s newest creation with his Compagnie du Hanneton. It brings together dancers, contortionists, high-wire artists and his own extraordinary physical prowess.

Swiss-born Thierrée has teased audiences throughout the world for nearly two decades with his flamboyant theatrical creations, sometimes dazzling, sometimes funny, sometimes grotesque. He comes from an esteemed theatrical background, making his stage debut at the age of four playing a walking suitcase.

His 2009 Raoul used mirrors, talking teapots and umbrella jellyfish to explore the erosion of individual identity, and in his 2013 Tabac Rouge he presented a Bosch-like, hallucinatory vision of a teetering totalitarian monarch. He blends visual comedy and a fantastical imagination in captivating shows that defy categorisation.

Intertwining dreams and childish terrors, burlesque and realism, The Toad Knew explores the raw, unforgiving love between brothers and sisters.