Extraordinary story of trailblazing all-women circus troupe brought to life

The extraordinary story of a trailblazing aerial acrobat who founded the UK’s first all-women outdoor aerialist company has been brought to life in glorious technicolour at a special University of Sheffield exhibition.

The free-to-attend Rope Women exhibition celebrates ‘Skinning the Cat’, a groundbreaking company that placed itself at the vanguard of the contemporary British circus movement when it was founded in 1988 by Rebecca Truman.

Named after a traditional trapeze move, Skinning the Cat toured internationally until 2003, combining its multi-talented founder’s skills as a performer, costumier, rig designer and artistic director.

With roots in Bradford’s countercultural movements in the 1960s and 70s, the DIY company designed and performed death-defying aerial feats on a variety of outdoor rigs, wowing audiences across the UK and beyond.

While some costumes used by Skinning the Cat are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Rebecca and the University of Sheffield have co-curated the only dedicated exhibition through its National Fairground and Circus Archive to bring this fascinating history to a new audience.

The exhibition, on display until 13 December at the University’s Western Bank Library, articulates this remarkable story by exploring the lived female experience of an athletic performer and entrepreneur through Rebecca’s eyes. Through a series of exhibits, videos, interactive displays and more, it showcases the passion, creativity and endurance required to succeed in the professional circus industry - and what comes after the lights dim. Guided by sculptures and poetry inspired by Rebecca’s life with Skinning the Cat, the exhibition follows her artistic development through her time with the troupe and into the modern day.

Rebecca, who now works in creating special effects, rig designs and costumes for other circus companies as well as being a practicing artist, is delighted her story is helping to inspire the next generation of aspiring performers.

“I think it’s tremendously important for young people to learn from what’s happened historically,” said Rebecca.

“It’s really been quite unexpected and overwhelming. To my mind, preserving the Skinning the Cat collection would see it gathering dust somewhere, but in reality it's out there engaging the public and inspiring people.

“I’m lucky enough to have worked with brilliant archivists and curators who’ve done an amazing job of bringing our story to life. They even take the collection into schools and colleges, which has led to young people doing projects inspired by my work, such as the fantastic animation commissioned for Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture 2025.

“To see our story reaching a new audience and inspiring the next generation is wonderful.”

Several members of the once seven-strong company have visited the exhibition, with one being so impressed that she spent three hours exploring it with her daughter.

For those considering following in Becky’s footsteps, she has the following advice: “The cheesy thing to say would be to follow your dreams - but I prefer to say think outside the box with your life.

“Whatever that career or direction is that you want to pursue, find a way to do it. You don’t have to fit in or follow others, just find a way to do what you believe in.”

University of Sheffield National Fairground and Circus Archive Senior Archivist Arantza Barrutia said: ”'It is always important that the work we do at the archive helps unveil the hidden histories of the popular entertainment sector so often ignored by mainstream narratives. 

“Throughout the curation of the exhibition we have used coproduction methodologies to ensure Becky led the narrative, and in this way we could achieve a true representation of her personal journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and aerial performer. 

“Through these practices we are recognising the value of lived experience and the expertise of people in their own stories, while also working towards becoming more inclusive and representative of the rich histories encapsulated in the collection.”

Rope Women is open to the public daily at the Western Bank Library Exhibition Gallery until 13 December 2026.

There is also the opportunity to meet Rebecca and let her take you through her journey during special Rope Women exhibition tours running on the 12 and 13 September as part of the University of Sheffield strand of the national Heritage Open Days festival. 

For more information and to book tours, visit the dedicated Rope Women exhibition page.