Creative Collaboration: The Wipeout Legacy

This summer, our surf-inspired show Wipeout made quite a splash. Hundreds of families joined us for five weeks of high-energy performances, laughs, and unforgettable moments as Off the Wall’s daring aerial dancers brought surfing to life in our Boat Hall.

While their last wave at the museum may have been surfed, the story of Wipeout is only just beginning.

This year, we decided to take a new approach for our summer programme, commissioning our own production, designed from scratch and inspired by our major exhibition, SURF!. This approach has enabled us to work with fantastic local companies and attract wider support for the project.

Beth Nicholls, our Cross Arts Programming Officer, explains:

“We really wanted our summer show to celebrate SURF! and everything it represents. We were keen for something dynamic, with plenty of movement, audience participation, and comedy. I had worked with CScape before and knew they’d create something spectacular, so we commissioned them to make it happen.”

With a brief that included words like athletic and dynamic, Sally Knight, Artist Director at CScape, immediately thought of local aerial dance company, Off the Wall.

She said: “I had worked with Off the Wall before on their aerial rig and I knew it would be perfect – it’s got height and the wow factor. So, we fused the CScape trademark: physical comedy, warm-hearted interaction, Cornishness and family fun, with high-quality contemporary dance and aerial splendour. What a brilliant time we’ve had!”

To complete the creative trio, CScape and Off the Wall brought in director, choreographer and writer, Jen Fletcher. Jen reflected: “It’s been a fantastic process where everything worked really organically. Sally and I tag-teamed choreography, writing and direction, continually inspired by each other.”

Our initial commission enabled the development of Wipeout. The team secured a five-day rehearsal residency, supported by Hall for Cornwall. The commission also unlocked match funding from Arts Council England, securing the show’s future beyond its final museum performance.

Post-show drop-in activities, run as part of Surfers Against Sewage Ocean School, explored themes of ocean plastic and marine conservation during Wipeout’s five-week run. Additional backing from the Boardmasters Foundation has enabled the show to go to a Newquay-based primary school.

Now, with its museum chapter complete, the Wipeout team is focused on building a lasting legacy. Planned performances at community venues and other primary schools across the region, including the Isles of Scilly, aim to widen access.

Sally added: “We’ve got a ready-made piece for festivals, schools and community events – even international bookings, and are looking to tour the show next year. Wipeout may have finished at the museum, but the journey is just beginning. It’s a legacy project built to travel.”