It is uplifting to see these three performers relate to each other authentically on stage in Casting Off, and it’s a nice reminder of the richness that can come from having a diverse range of perspectives.
Mates blogger: Katharine Kavanagh
Katharine Kavanagh is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Katharine's posts on MyTheatreMates. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Katharine is a circus writer based in the Midlands, a handy travel hub for getting out and about to new and smaller-scale work. From a background as a performer, theatre-maker and circus volunteer, Katharine took part in the EU-funded 'Unpack the Arts' circus residency, set up The Circus Diaries website, and now dedicates herself to sharing the intricacies of circus art with the world.
She says: "Circus is an area of performing arts where few people have the vocabulary and understanding to write balanced critical appraisal. This tends to result in wishy-washy 'reviews' that all sound the same and say very little about the relative quality of the show.
"As the circus arts grow in popularity and engagement across the UK, it's important for critical voices to reflect this to increasingly discerning audiences. That's where I come in."
The latest from Katharine on MyTheatreMates
‘The beauty lies in the honesty of its story & the emotion that it evokes’: EGG – Edinburgh Fringe
The beauty of Egg is not necessarily in the circus performances – although they are beautiful. The beauty in Egg lies in the honesty of its story and the emotion that it evokes in the audience.
‘Impenetrable looking mathematics has never been so entertaining’: WHAT DOES STUFF DO? – Appleby
Robin Boon Dale graduated from Circomedia two years ago, and already his impressive debut solo show, What Does Stuff Do?, has garnered him two awards.
CIRCUS DIARIES on EdFringe: Mark Watson – Man of Mischief
Playing cards, hidden predictions, juggling balls and knives all make an appearance and, during a cups and balls routine, I find myself laughing along with everyone else as the hilariously bamboozled audience participant.
‘A world of gorgeous production values padding out some solid circus skills’: THE EXPLODED CIRCUS – Touring
The Exploded Circus is a world of gorgeous production values padding out some solid circus skills. It’s not the world the poster suggests, but it is an intriguing one, if frustrating at times with its pottering, enigmatic progress.
‘A strong addition to the Circa canon’: PEEPSHOW – Underbelly Festival
Peepshow is more adult, a shade darker than other productions that I’ve seen before but without losing the overall Circa feel. Atmospheric and exciting, with all the technical prowess expected, this feels like a strong addition to the Circa canon.
‘Keeps tradition alive but also innovates’: CIRCUS SALLAI – Touring
This is a circus that is keen to impress, to keep tradition alive but also to innovate and exceed expectations. I would recommend catching Circus Sallai where you can.
BOOK REVIEW: Aerialist by Rebecca Truman
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rebecca Truman’s book. Part confession, part auto-narration, not unlike Nell Stroud’s Josser, it gives a very personal insight into our aerial profession – the glittery stardom as well as the gritty pain, anguish, fear and isolation that often cycle through an aerialist’s life.
‘Absolutely flies by’: CIRCOLOMBIA – Underbelly Festival
Circolombia regularly put on an exciting and entertaining show and, true to form, this year at the Underbelly Festival their self-titled offering is exhilarating, fun and family friendly.
‘Energising & thoroughly entertaining evening out’: SOAP – Underbelly Festival
The long-running German production Soap makes a splash on the UK scene this year, performing in the round for the first time, and filling the Underbelly’s stylish Spiegeltent with bathtubs, opera singing, slick acrobatic bodies and classic clowning dressed down in swim cap and galoshes.
‘A push into new areas demonstrates their versatility as artists’: SHIFT – Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Shift is an interesting development for Barely Methodical and, while those seeking the cheeky and laddish lightheartedness of previous shows may be left a little wanting, there is no doubt that the production is top quality.
‘Cleverly written & colourful’: CIRCUSY CATERPILLAR – Underbelly Festival
The wonderful circus-theatre production of Circusy Caterpillar is cleverly written and colourful, with a vibrant soundtrack of rock, pop and disco songs that keep the room alive alongside the simple storytelling of mime and rhyming voice-over.
CIRCUS DIARIES – May’s Circus Scoop
This month’s UK circus guide was filmed from Toronto, giving it a unique DIY aesthetic! You can also follow my adventures in Audio Description for circus which led me to Canada on The Circus Diaries YouTube channel.
‘Clever, lighthearted & visually stimulating’: NATALIE INSIDE OUT – Jacksons Lane
Technology is so often blamed for our woes in modern life, but in Natalie Inside Out it helps to bridge the gap between performers and spectators.
‘A treat for the next generation of circus-goers’: PAULOS CIRCUS – York
In a world of phones, tablets and games consoles, the next generation of circus-goers need live entertainment on their doorstep, and Paulos Circus delivers…candy floss or no candy floss!
‘These women are role models who celebrate individuality’: NO SHOW – Roundhouse
No Show draws on themes of ignorance: of not knowing what circus is or how its done, and on patriarchy. The content comes from autobiographical examples but relate to much wider societal problems. These ladies are everywoman, and their show is an education in circus and in life.
‘Honest, heartfelt & emotional narrative’: KNOT – The Place
Ultimately, Knot can be seen as a triumph of what can be achieved within contemporary circus when it refuses to bow to expectations, or to take the easy way out.
‘What passes for normal when safety and ease are ripped away’: SARAB – Jacksons Lane
Perhaps the show is preaching to the converted among a largely liberal theatre crowd at Jackson’s Lane, but Sarab is a show that should be programmed to visit every small town where people are still afraid of strangers.
‘Had me wishing the performance would never end’: HYENA – The Albany
Hyena is an exciting, vibrant and honest exploration of a complex female bond. The show is a celebration of the power of womanhood and highlights how our abilities as individuals can benefit womankind as a group; or in Alula’s case, a tribe.
‘Brave & beautiful adventure’: SPRING – ArtsDepot
Spring is a brave and beautiful adventure, a trip to the light fantastic. But, if you like a bit more meat on your bone, then the Gandini’s previous show Sigma offers much more depth and, importantly for me, a sense of connection with its audience.