Interview: Circomedia teacher Catherine Boot on Cut the Mustard a circus spectacular at artsdepot
We caught up with Catherine Boot to talk about 16 inspiring circus arts students from Circomedia in Bristol, who are presenting a showcase of their work using acrobatics, aerial, juggling and lots of humour, Cut the Mustard at artsdepot.
After approximately 6.8 epiphanies, 102 breakdowns, 3 buckets of tears, 14 litres of sweat, 2462 cups of coffee, and an inconceivable amount of catches, the Circomedia BA class of 2018 have made a show. Will it be a recipe for disaster, or will they cut the mustard?
Circomedia: Cut the Mustard | Tuesday 23 January 2018 | 7.30pm | artsdepot, North Finchley | £5
Tell us about your students’ show coming up at ArtsDepot?
Every year at Circomedia the 3rd year BA students create their own show which goes on tour. They do everything themselves, from directing to writing risk assessments! This year they’re a super talented bunch and ‘Cut The Mustard’ combines some top notch circus with lots of quirky, offbeat humour.
What kind of things can you learn at Circomedia?
The main disciplines are aerial, acrobatics and juggling. There are also classes in physical theatre, movement, and conditioning. The integration of circus with other styles and artforms is important to us, so students also study clowning, live art, narrative theatre, burlesque and stand up, to name a few.
What advice would you give to people wanting to run away an join the circus?
Do it! I joined the circus 6 years ago when I became a student myself at Circomedia. Making and teaching circus and theatre is now my full time job and I love it.
Who or what inspires you to work in circus arts?
I love working with the infinite possibilities of the human body. The performers and students I work with are continually inspiring to me, as is my three year old daughter, whose favourite pastimes are acrobatics and hula hooping!
What are your favourite hangouts in London (to eat, to watch shows, to relax)?
I used to love to eat at Food For Thought in Covent Garden, and was so sad last year when I realised it had closed! I’m not in London much these days (Circomedia is based in Bristol), but if I am I usually make a beeline for Borough Market for the amazing street food and excellent coffee.
About Circomedia
Circomedia is the longest running provider of full-time circus-based education in the UK, offering informal classes from age 5 upwards and BTEC Diploma, Foundation and BA degrees, and an MA in Directing Circus. The 16 students presenting Cut the Mustard are completing their BAs this year.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
