DATE: Wednesday 27th May 2026
TIME: 2pm
LOCATION: East Quay Courtyard
This is a FREE event

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Come along to Olive Branch, an acrobatic show blending physical theatre and martial arts, which follows two strangers in a magical forest who must unite to save Mother Nature.

Olive Branch is a family-friendly acrobatic extravaganza! Join us for a funny and feel-good tale of friendship and the wonder of the natural world, told through a captivating mixture of physical theatre and martial arts.

Two strangers meet in a forest and must learn to overcome their differences to help protect mother nature. How will they learn to work together? Will they make it in time to save mother nature?

Immerse yourselves in Vanhulle’s forest of wonders, featuring spellbinding acrobatics, a spectacular battle-scene, and a world brimming with imagination.

The East Quay Kitchen will be serving food until 3pm.

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Credits

Choreography: Laura Vanhulle and Oliver Robert Russell
Music composition: Domenico Angarano
Rehearsal Director: Chris Knight
Dramaturg: Sue Buckmaster
Funded by Arts Council England, supported by Out There Arts, Swindon Dance and Dance East.

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Audience Quotes

“Olive Branch is nothing short of mesmerising, the dancers effortlessly wove together contemporary dance movements with the precision and discipline of martial arts. It was a visual symphony of grace and power, leaving us all in awe.” – Adult Audience Member

“Love it! Super Impressive, so refreshing to see a bit of comedy in dance.” – Adult Audience Member

“The combination of storytelling, martial arts and all the stunts reminded me of Avatar; The Last Airbender, which I love! And the stick solo at the beginning was so cool and HYPNOTIC!” - Boy aged 12

“The storytelling was excellent. I was unsure if I would enjoy something like this, but I am pleasantly surprised. You can see both dancers have worked extremely hard. I really enjoyed the performance.” - Adult Audience Member

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Vanhulle Dance Theatre

Vanhulle Dance Theatre, founded in 2013 by Laura Vanhulle and now led by neurodivergent Artistic Directors Vanhulle and Oliver Russell, is an East of England-based company known for blending contemporary dance with martial arts. Their emotive, physical work engages diverse audiences across the UK and internationally, performing in schools, libraries, village halls, and festivals.

Committed to accessibility, they reach communities including youth, elders with dementia, and individuals with disabilities through performances, workshops, and commissions. Signature production Olive Branch has reached over 30,000 people across 100+ shows and toured major festivals and rural venues. Other works include Dovetail, SURGE, Blindspot, Between You and Me, and Echo, created with partners across Europe. They actively collaborate with educational institutions and are currently touring ORB, a new outdoor duet. The company is celebrated for its inclusive, imaginative, and high-impact performances.