About our Company: Behind the Masks

"It is always a great pleasure to watch these two supremely professional artists at work.
Their meticulous attention to detail in performance, costume and presentation is quite stunning."
Dave Buxton, Artistic Director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts

Circle of Two is an acrobatic theatre company with an aim to revitalise old popular theatre traditions for contemporary family audiences. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of artistic genres, from classic literary works to the great film-makers of the silent era, they create highly evocative and poetic shows with unique and personal aesthetics. They use circus, puppetry, and pantomime formats to tell simple and engaging stories.Circle of Two have performed in outdoor theatre, circus and variety for more than twenty-five years. They have won the Prize of the Public both in circus and theatre festivals. Their work has been broadcast by national television stations worldwide. They are also experienced in teaching circus workshops to people of all ages. They have a variety of shows and acts that include a wide range of performing disciplines such as physical theatre, puppetry and circus.Celia Mendizabal and Daniel Hennessey both started busking in the streets of Barcelona back in 1996. They met shortly after and both decided to pursue a career in the Circus Arts. They graduated in 2001 by the Central School of Speech and Drama and The Circus Space (now the National Centre for Circus Arts) in London with a degree in BA (Hons.)Theatre Practice and Circus. They are both directors of IAMFlow CIC, a Community Interest Company that offers creative workshops and participatory performances, designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing while fostering connections with nature.Daniel is also a climber and a qualified open water lifeguard, leader and instructor in paddlesports, passionate about running workshops to help people connect with natural blue spaces in a mindful way. In 2020, he founded the Waterway Pickers Staines, a community group dedicated to cleaning local waterways and promoting environmental awareness through various events. Additionally, he is a shiatsu massage therapist and reflexologist, leading workshops on massage and body awareness to enhance participants’ wellbeing.Celia received a Masters of Arts in Theatre Studies in 2013 at the University of Surrey, where she researched the impact of Puppetry and Masks in the theatrical event. She is also a qigong and tai chi instructor, recognised by CIMSPA as a qigong practitioner and is registered as an instructor with the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain (Tai Chi Internal Arts). Additionally, she is a member and director of SpiralArts Dance Theatre CIC, an inter-generational and cross-disciplinary community of artists committed to creative exploration.

Outdoor Theatre

Circle of Two have been performing their shows in outdoor theatre festivals around Europe and beyond since 2011.Here are a few of the festivals they have taken part in:- Just So Festival, Cheshire, UK 2023
- Hastings Storytelling Festival, UK 2021
- Carnival of Colours, Derry, Northern Ireland 2018
- Les Nuits du Cirque, Villers-la-Ville, Belgium 2018
- WeiWuYing Children’s Theatre Festival, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 2017
- V Festival Internacional de Cir&CO Castilla y León, Spain, 2017
- La Mercè, Barcelona, Spain 2016
- Umore Azoka, Leioa, Spain 2016
- Big Day Out, St Patrick's Festival, Dublin, Ireland 2015
- Festival Les Affranchis, La Fleche, France 2014
- Watch This Space at the National Theatre, London, UK 2014
- Spark Children’s Festival, Leicester, UK 2014
- Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, Charleville-Mézières, France 2013
- Spraoi Festival, Waterford, Ireland 2013, 2018
- Street a(rt)nimation Festival, Luxembourg 2013
- Mimos. Périgueux, France. Prix Mim'Off 2012
- Lakeside International Children's Theatre and Dance Festival, Nottingham, UK 2011 and 2012

Dodo's Dream

The Chimney Sweeps

Dodo's Dream

When the clock strikes twelve, magic begins and a doll comes to life...Inspired, amongst others, by the myth of Pygmalion and the tales of E.T.A. Hoffmann (such as The Sand Man and The Nutcracker) Circle of Two tell the heartbreaking, impossible love story of an eccentric inventor and the mechanical doll he has created in resemblance of his deceased wife. When he goes to sleep, he dreams that his beloved comes back to life.Dodo’s Dream is a magical journey into a tender and wacky universe, totally inscribed in children's poetry. A fairy tale that triggers the laughter and wonder of the little ones and the emotion of the grown ups!Winners of the Prize of the Public at the prestigious International Mime Festival of Périgueux,in France, they present this story without using any spoken dialogue. The show is fast paced and includes audience participation. It combines a variety of performing disciplines, such as puppetry, mime, and slap-stick comedy, ending with a lyrical acrobatic dance. Dodo’s Dream is a visual and universal show for audiences of all ages and nationalities.Available in three versions/durations.

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The Chimney Sweeps

"The Chimney Sweeps in a delightful show.
Capturing the soot and grime of the Victorian time Circle of Two present a comical glimpse into the world of the sweep. This production makes for a good introduction to this period of our history and is useful learning tool. [...] The audience giggled and chuckled as the father and son team finally got down to cleaning the pots. The youngsters in the audience were looking wide eyed to their parents as they saw surprising tricks take place right before their eyes.
This is a great performance for families to enjoy as the team are very engaging and present a show that is accessible to so many. " - Philip Sherman, Collage Arts

Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid”, “The Chimney Sweeps: A Family Business” is a piece of acrobatic family theatre with nostalgic airs that brings back the charms of the Victorian era in Mary Poppins style. It is a silent show choreographed to an original music score, and it includes original jigs, dazzling acrobatics, juggling, humour and a full load of charm.We can offer educational programmes in which we can give workshops, conduct talks with Q&A sessions and present short extracts of our work to engage new audiences. We have extensive experience in leading circus workshops for both adults and children. The skills taught are excellent tools for team building, as they help participants to overcome obstacles, to push their limits, to build trust and to gain understanding of their own bodies. For The Chimney Sweeps, there is the possibility of incorporating the participants into a bespoke show.Testimonial from Penny Lympany, Cubs Scout Leader : “Daniel and Celia have run man sessions for our young people, age ranges from 6-18. The sessions were tailored to our requirements and the capabilities of the young people involved, including some with learning difficulties. They all had a great time and learned balance, juggling, trapeze work and a range of circus skills. We were even able to present a show for all the parents. “We have also created a cross curricular educational pack designed as an additional resource after children have watched a performance of The Chimney Sweeps: A Family Business. It is aimed at Key Stage 2, and it covers a number of objectives from the National Curriculum (England) in History, Art, English, Maths, Drama and Physical Education. The pack includes not only historical references and facts, but also puzzles, poems and the ever forgotten Chimney Sweep jargon!

Storytelling and Puppetry

Who's in For Tea: Wonderland Without Alice

Glim Ningel's Storytelling Tours

Who's in for Tea: Wonderland Without Alice

Have you ever wondered what happens in Wonderland when Alice is not there? Well, let the Mad Hatter tell you in his tea party! Also starring the 'White Rabbit', the 'Dormouse' and the terrible twins 'Tweedledum and Tweedledee'.A 30-45 minutes one-man show involving physical theatre, storytelling, puppetry and active audience participation. Available for both indoors and ourdoors. Original music composed by Christine Palethorpe.As it could only be expected from the Mad Hatter, it is a nonsensical little puppet play which delights children of all ages, from 6 to 106!

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Glim Ningel Storytelling Tours

I am Glim Ningel,
The Fool, The Jester,
The Trickster, The Poet
The Wandering Bard,Through Towns,
Mountains and Sea,
I Roam Ever Free
Bringing to Life
New Stories of Old.Once Upon a Time
The Day After Yesterday
It All Began Before It Ended
So Our Stories Go On
Forever More

Let Glim Ningel The Bard guide you on a walking tour through your town, revealing its hidden stories and secrets.Glim Ningel The Bard engages the audience in collaborative story-telling, using poetry and puppetry to tell tall tales, both past and present, about the local area and its inhabitants.The audience decides if the stories are fact or fiction, or a mixture of both. They can also help to decide which way to turn and which way to look, encouraging a connection with their surroundings from different perspectives, generating curiosity, creating bonds and becoming more of a part of where they live.An interactive storytelling adventure for the whole family.

"Joined Glim Ningel The Bard for the Not-so-True Guided Tour of Staines with some friends. [...] The tour itself took us through the town of Staines, with Glim telling stories at a leisurely pace, completely unobstructed by the goings-on of everyone around. Lots of time for contemplation, and an opportunity to properly look and see all the things that are missed when rushing about on a regular day.Definitely a tour for those willing to let their cynicism lapse for a few hours, and see the world from a different perspective. I did, and I won't see Staines in the same way again. Thanks Glim for a great tour. " - Toby, audience member

Circus and Variety

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After their first touring seasons in the UK with Giffords Circus, Circle of Two went touring around Europe, performing in circuses as prestigious as Circus Benneweis in Denmark, Circo Raluy in Spain, Cirque Phenix Junior in France and the permanent circus building in Munich Kronebau. They have been invited to participate in festivals such as Le Festival International du Cirque de Massy in France or the International Festival of Circus Arts of Izhevsk in Russia, where they received the Rosgoscirk award. In 2010 they also received the Trophée Pierre Bertin and Prix du Club du Cirque, at The Cirque Educatif, in France.They were also guest artists with Royal Caribbean Cruises, performing welcome and farewell shows intermittently from 2011 to 2017.Circle of Two were the artistic directors at Kristiansand Dinnershow, in Norway, where they also performed various acts.Their show Dodo's Dream is available in various formats for Circus, Variety and Dinner Shows, and can be divided into different acts that create a perfect red thread for any production. The acts can also be performed separately.The main act is a a comedy slapstick routine available in different durations.A second act is a romantic doubles trapeze act with the same characters, which completes the story. It can be introduced with a beautiful bubbles entrance around the outside of the ring, in which the audience can see the characters up close.The character of Dodo can also open the show, or a second half after the interval, with a reprise in which the audience will help him countdown to zero until he strikes the gong.

Reviews and Testimonials

Press reviews

- "Honestly, it is comedic. Local boy Charlie Chaplin would be proud." - from the blog Tales from the South Bank- "Acrobacia y pantomima se dieron la mano en Dodo's Dream, un espectáculo de circo-teatro y humor gestual de entrañables personajes enmarcados en un universo tan poético como nostálgico, todo un canto a la belleza de los sueños. Aquí la acrobacia aérea protagonizó el número final para dejar al público sin palabras, la máxima que había seguido una historia llena de romanticismo en la que una muñeca fue cobrando vida con las ilusiones de su creador. De sus movimientos mecánicos iniciales fue evolucionando hasta dejarnos un baile en el trapecio que arrancó la ovación." - Maria Espeso, Diario de Ávila, Spain- "Circle of Two have emerged in recent years as one of the hottest properties in the European speciality act market. [...]Clearly inspired by the silent film days of expressive clowning, Circle of Two, form a seamless amalgam between physical theatricality and circus balance and acrobatic skills."  - Mark Ritchie, UK Cabaret- "Le couple anglais du «Circle of two» a séduit un public qui s'est massé en nombre place du Marché au Bois.[...] Ce spectacle intitulé «Bambolina & Dodo» a conjugué humour, poésie et magie pendant vingt minutes de retour à l’enfance."- 'Quand le geste prend corps au Festival Mimos', Le Blog de Jean-Noël Cuénod, Ecrivain et journaliste libre Paris-Léman, rédacteur en chef de La Cité, France- "Entre le cinéma muet et le numéro de clown, Bambolina et Dodo offrent une parenthèse comique enchantée sur fond d'histoire d'amour entre le “maître” et sa créature. Le spectacle à peine achevé, on voudrait déjà donner un deuxième tour de clé à la poupée à remonter." - Dordogne Libre. France- "Des Nachts erwacht "Bambolina" zum Leben und klettert hoch auf eine Schaukel, um ihren schlafenden Spieler im Mondschein mit einem glitzernden Zauberpulver zu bestäuben. In dem Moment, als das funkelnde Pulver langsam rieselt, hätte man eine Stecknadel fallen hören können. " - Frankfurter Neue Press, Germany- "To describe Circle of Two as an acrobatic mime act would be selling them rather short. Here we saw a set-up character arriving on stage with a marionette style, human music box statue. The coquettish persona comes across, as she searches for love among members of the audience. This was classic imaginative mime, married with old revue style sophisticated cabaret. " - The Stage, UK- "The words 'charming' and 'poetic' best describe this highly original number which owes much to the ability of both artistes to remain in character throughout and also to the use of attractive props and costumes. This was certainly a most appropriate item for a Christmas programme, with its echoes of the Pinocchio and Gepetto story and of the Nutcracker and Coppelia ballets..." - The King Pole Magazine, UK and Ireland- "'Mekanisk dukke' var Benneweis' topnummer: Men så kom hele aftenens højdepunkt, Bambolina & Dodo, manden med sin mekaniske dukke, der dog var en kvinde af kød og blod. Et nummer i absolut verdensklasse."- illerød Posten, Denmark- "Totalement inscrit dans la poésie enfantine, ce récit est le pretexte à un numéro d'automate très réussi où le talent des artistes se nourrit merveilleusement de l'art mimique et de la comédie. Une fable qui déclenche les rires et l'émerveillement des petits et l'émotion des plus grands!" -Magazine du Cirque et de l'Illusion, France

Testimonials

- "The Circle of Two is one of the best 'speciality acts' I've booked in recent years. The skill level is terrific but it's also really charming. Very special!"  - Stewart Collins, Artistic Director of Henley Festival- "It is always a great pleasure to watch these two supremely professional artists at work. Their meticulous attention to detail in performance, costume and presentation is quite stunning. Dodo’s Dream tells a tender and touching story, beautifully presented using classical theatre and circus skills. The audience loved it and cheered and clapped with delight!" - Dave Buxton, Artistic Director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts- *Our Hackney audience was thrilled by the show. I have had a non stop stream of compliments about how wonderful it all was. You turned a very big space into a magical environment and enlivened our ceiling." - Andrew Coombs, director of the Hackney Children's Theatre- "I thought Bambolina & Dodo was brilliant. You brought lots of colour to everyone’s day. Watching everyone interact with you was amazing and the laughter never stopped, so thank you for making my job very easy. It’s been a pleasure to work with you." -Rachel Feneley, programmer at the Lakeside International Children’s Theatre Festival- "I saw your performance on the Independence of the Seas on 24/08/12 and was totally amazed. The best cabaret show I've seen for many years. Many thanks for a superb performance, could not have had a better end to the cruise. Thanks again" - Celia Doherty, audience member- "It was lovely to have Circle of Two at Splat!  Of course, the theme was perfect within the main Sweeps Festival event.   The Chimney Sweeps: A Family Business is a gentle, entertaining show ideal for a family audience and the acrobatic skills of the father and son team delighted our audiences." - Dawn Archer, Project Co-ordinator, Arts Development Team, Medway Council

Community

In 2025 we joined forces with two other performing artists and facilitators and formed IAMFlow CIC. We create opportunities and access to arts, health & wellbeing group activities for underserved communities facing isolation and inequalities related to social, financial, mental, and/or physical challenges. We focus on breaking down barriers, supporting personal growth, and strengthening the community.We offer a diverse range of creative workshops designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being while fostering a connection with nature. These activities could include circus arts, dance, yoga, qigong, tai chi, physical theatre, and storytelling. We also create participatory performances that encourage creative involvement and self-expression, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and cultivate a sense of community belonging.We deliver youth projects that mix different art forms to help build skills and confidence. Circus arts promote physical fitness, strength and flexibility, and encourage teamwork, calculated risk-taking, and enhance self-esteem; dance improves cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Physical theatre games promote physical and mental alertness and fast decision making, inspire creativity and help children develop their sense of choice and agency. Warm-ups and cool-downs draw on practices like yoga and qigong, which promote, focus, balance and presence.The main goal is to help young people develop important life skills such as working with others and believing in themselves. The activities also promote physical health and creativity. They encourage participants to explore new ways of expressing themselves and pushing past their usual limits. The final performance gives each young person a chance to show their talents, form friendships, and feel part of a community. These experiences aim to boost confidence, encourage resilience, and create a sense of belonging for everyone involved.For more information about our workshops and interactive performances please visit www.iamflow.org.uk

Contact us

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