Reimagining
the circus body
Head Over Wheels is a disabled-led, integrated circus company of disabled and non-disabled artists. We make playful, accessible, high-skill shows that challenge outdated ideas of how circus bodies look and move, and we work with the sector to remove barriers for artists and audiences.
our values
Inclusive by design
Playful disruption
Supportive space
Bespoke practice
Excellence with integrity
Mission
We create playfully disruptive, accessible circus that challenges old perceptions of the circus body. Our work invites disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences into shared, joyful spaces where craft, care, and inclusion lead.
Vision
A thriving, accessible, disabled-led and integrated circus ecology across the UK and beyond, where disabled artists are central, access is standard, and communities see themselves reflected in outstanding circus.
our journey so far
2017
Unexpected creative beginnings
Jonny and Tilly met while performing at Godiva Festival in Coventry for Cirque Bijou - Jonny on drums and Tilly in the air. It was a year later that their friendship blossomed into an unexpected creative chemistry. When performing together on a project between Extraordinary Bodies and Paraorchestra, they discovered their love of clambering over each other on a trapeze. They created their own vocabulary, working with the possibilities only created by their two individual bodies- rather than trying to replicate already known duo trapeze tricks.
2017
Our first duo act
They created their trapeze duet, ”Dancing On Wheels…and Legs,” premiering at the Harbourside Festival and going on to perform nationally and internationally at venues such as the Glastonbury Festival, the National Circus Festival of Ireland, and many more, for the next eight years.
2020
accessibility in aerial arts
Jonny and Tilly, alongside Coral Dawson, began researching accessible approaches to rigging and aerial equipment with support from Arts Council England. This research continued, supported by Without Walls, in 2023- expanding their focus on integrating audio description with circus and movement.
2023
Launching the company
Jonny and Tilly turned their duo into the company that is now Head Over Wheels! They were quickly joined by Daniella Faircloth, bringing her extensive knowledge of access and producing. Since then, they created their debut show, Anchored in Air, in 2024, which has toured nationally and internationally over two years, and they are beginning to create their next full-length show.
Meet the team
Tilly is an interdisciplinary artist and circus creator. She loves to merge artforms and use circus skills to tell stories. She has two solo shows- Ripe which has toured extensively around the UK. She has most recently created Handful of Nothing, which is touring the UK. She has also worked with companies such as Extraordinary Bodies, Stumble Dance Circus, Cirque Bijou and Metta Theatre.
Jonny Leitch is a Musician, Dancer, and Aerialist working with Diverse City, Cirque Bijou, Graeae, Extraordinary Bodies, and Paraorchestra. They have Performed at the National Theatre, Southbank Centre, and Glastonbury Festival. Jonny is passionate about disability representation, inclusive sound design and using circus skills to push and explore his body’s movement in unique ways.
Daniella trained at the Royal Central School in Applied Theatre & Education, specialising in Disability & Access Arts and Community Outreach. She has worked with the National Theatre, Graeae, Access all Areas, Extant, and many more. With an adaptive practice to meet the needs of artists and companies, she has become a key company member quickly. Helping the companies creation, learning and development.
Let’s connect and create
Have questions, ideas for collaboration, or want to bring one of our shows to your venue? We’re excited to hear from you!