Brad Wendes in Who'd Be a Smuggler? in Redruth (preview)

26th August 2008

A show with a difference comes to Carn Marth Amphitheatre, near Redruth, on Saturday, September 6.

Kinetix UK's Who'd Be a Smuggler? features a five-strong cast led by free-runner Brad Wendes, pictured - who reached the semi-finals of the last series of Britain's Got Talent - and Redruth's own Suzi Appleby and features specialists in acrobatics, stage combat and free-running.

When three smugglers are caught hiding their booty from the authorities, they are forced to reveal their sensational stories.

The result is a family show combining acrobatics, free-running, stage combat and comedy. The cast tell a tale of disguise, intrigue and adventure on the high seas.

Brad said: "We wanted to put on a family show that had solid links to Cornwall – using the smugglers concept we were able to pull this off very well.

"The story is based on some traditional true and legendary tales of Cornish smugglers, but we've put a real modern and acrobatic twist on them to make them entertaining and accessible to all ages.

"After the main feature we'll be giving a demonstration of the skills included in the show for anyone that wants to stay. We'll also give a short presentation on the formation of the company, while we open the stage up to any brave younger audience members that want to have a go under full supervision."

Brad's partner Suzi went to Redruth Community School, then studied at Exeter University, graduating in 2005 with a first class degree in drama.

From there she enrolled at East 15, a top London drama school, and studied for a degree in specialist performance skills and stage combat, graduating in June this year.

Growing up on the Carn, Suzi is familiar with the amphitheatre and has always hoped for an opportunity to perform there herself.

In 2004 gymnast Brad discovered parkour (free-running) and quickly became a figurehead of the UK parkour and free-running community.

In 2006 he was one of 12 free-runners to start the British Parkour Coaching Association and was one of four coaches to write a syllabus and standardise the sport with Sport England.

Tickets for the show are £7.50, £5.50 conc from 01872 262466. See www.carnmarth.org.uk for more details.

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