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Press Release: News from the Underbelly Festival's Circus Hub at the Southbank


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Masters of contemporary circus Gravity & Other Myths bring A Simple Space to headline the Underbelly Festival Southbank

 

 

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Benton Adams-Walker (left) with Simon McClure, Lisa Goldsworthy, Chris Carlos and Andre Augustus (base) and Ashleigh Pearce (top). Photo (c) The Other Richard

 

  • Masters of contemporary circus Gravity & Other Myths bring A Simple Space to headline the Underbelly Festival Southbank 
  • Entirely new cast bring fresh dynamism exploring personal narratives through raw, visceral and immersive performance

 

Highly acclaimed Australian circus company, Gravity & Other Myths have issued production images of their brand-new cast in A Simple Space, the incredible contemporary circus-show headlining the Underbelly Festival Southbank until 5th May this year. With A Simple Space, Gravity & Other Myths invite audiences to Feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment in this intimate and visceral circus show.

The new cast includes the Lisa Goldsworthy, previously with CIRCA. Goldsworthy is the first female Acrobatic Base in the show’s history, possessing the incredibly rare skill of being both a base and power tumbler – audiences are set for something very special indeed. 

 

The full cast includes Annalise Moore, Ashleigh Pearce, Simon McClure, Andre Augustus, Benton Adams-Walker, Chris Carlos, Lisa Goldsworthy and Alex Flood (musician). 

 

A Simple Space is contemporary circus at its absolute best and returns to the Underbelly Festival Southbank with an entirely new cast, redeveloping the show and bringing fresh dynamism as new relationships are explored. Shunning the traditional glitz, glamour and grand spectacle, instead stripping the true essence of circus back to its core as seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve through a performance which is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. 

 

Honesty is the essence behind A Simple Space as audiences are immersed, brought in so close as to surround the stripped back stage for a multisensory intimate experience as the acrobats push their bodies to the absolute physical limit. Driven by an original live percussive soundtrack, the reality of failure and weakness is introduced as the usual guards are broken down and through raw, visceral performance personal narratives are conveyed and explored. 

 

The show is the original production from internationally renowned circus company Gravity & Other Myths (Backbone, Out of Chaos) which since premiering at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013 has gone on to tour the world securing critical and audience favour in equal measure. A Simple Space captures and champions the GOM founding ethos which focuses on human connection and acrobatic virtuosity. The show is a true product of the ensemble which creates it and as the new season will feature an entirely new cast including the finest Australian acrobats, audiences can bet on a new dynamic which is strong, cheeky, daring and demonstrates the most innovative and immersive circus experience. 

ENDS 

 

LISTINGS 

Underbelly and Gravity & Other Myths present 

A Simple Space 

Underbelly Southbank Festival, London, SE1 8XX

Dates: Fri 5 April – Sun 5 May (not Mondays), 7.30pm (Tues-Fri), 3pm & 6pm (Sat and Sun)

Prices: from £16.50 preview, from £19 Tues and Weds, from £23 Thurs-Sun 

Running time: 60mins

Age Range: Universal 

Tickets available via www.underbellyfestival.com

 

CAST 

Annalise Moore

Annalise began her endeavours as a performer through Artistic Gymnastics at age seven where she competed nationally through to the age of sixteen. Annalise then found hip hop dance and discovered circus at age 18. Circus allowed her to combine both elements of gymnastics and dance as well as providing a creative outlet. Annalise went on to train at the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne and later continued her training in Montreal, specialising in Hand to Hand and Hand balancing. Some of Annalise’s notable work includes performing with Recirquel company, Cirque Du Soliel’s 45 Degrees, Circus Oz and now Gravity and Other Myths. Annalise is thrilled to be part of such a strong ensemble where she can share her passion for group acrobatics with the world.

 

Ashleigh Pearce

At age four, Ashleigh cried her way through her first dance lesson but spent the next ten years excelling in artistic gymnastics. Seeking an outlet for her creative expression, serendipity landed her a role in the youth troupe at Circa Contemporary Circus. Guided by Australian circus legends Mark Douglass, Rudi Mineur, Emma Serjeant, Natano & Rhys Miller to name a few, she formed her circus arts foundations and went on to complete her Diploma at NICA. Avid for adventure and with no French vocabulary, she then auditioned and accepted her position at École de Cirque De Québec, specialising as a flyer. Since her studies, she has travelled, taught and performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Captivated by movement forms and the questions circus evokes, she’s beyond excited to join forces with this dynamic Australian company, revisit dance classes and continue enjoying people’s reactions when confessing she walks on people for a living, in the best possible way.

 

Simon McClure

At age 10 Simon started down his acrobatic path and joined the Flying Fruit Flies Circus (FFFC) in Albury. After seven years of training he went on tour as a technician with the company Acrobat, while also teaching acrobatics at the FFFC. Simon has performed a number of acts in a variety of cabaret settings before joining Gravity & Other Myths in 2014 specialising in tumbling and group acrobatics.

 

Andre Augustus 

André is a multidisciplinary Circus artist, primarily a Hand to Hand porter. André’s passion for physical movement began in competitive gymnastics and was then directed towards partner acrobatics through a local Canberra Circus troupe. He later studied Visual Art at the ANU School of Art before commencing physical art practice at the National institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne. He sought out further training/ mentorship within his discipline and moved to Montréal, Canada. Since then he has been performing internationally and nationally with noteworthy companies such as Cirque du Soleil’s 45 Degrees and Recirquel company Budapest. André can usually be found cross collaborating over various art forms striving to create, innovate and inspire audiences worldwide. He looks forward to further pursue his obsession for both athleticism and artistry as an ensemble acrobat with Gravity & Other Myths.

 

Lisa Goldsworthy

Lisa, 23, specializes in Hula Hoop as well as Partner and Group Acrobatics. Having trained and loved circus since the age of 9, Lisa graduated from South Australia’s Circus Centre in 2013. Shortly after, she joined Australia’s leading contemporary circus, CIRCA. Over the course of 4 years with CIRCA Lisa has been a part of 11 different productions and has toured to 13 different countries. While not at CIRCA, Lisa has performed with other companies such as Briefs Factory, Slingsby Theatre company, South Australian Circus Centre, Time and Space Circus and a work with Jerome Bell. In addition, Lisa performs with her award winning co-founded company Point & Flex Circus. 

 

Named by respected arts journalist Lyn Gardner as ‘the best hula hooper I have ever seen’, Lisa enjoys circus as a physical and creative outlet for her energy and ideas. She loves the family circus has given her and the sense of belonging that comes with being a part of this wonderfully crazy community. Lisa can’t wait to see what shows the feature has in stall for her and where she will be performing next.

 

Benton Adams-Walker 

As a kid Benton could never sit still and always needed to be up and about, so in his early teens he joined Warehouse Circus in Canberra. Although he started off as a juggler, his love for playing “rough” led him to move to acrobatics. Benton decided to kick off his career in circus and attended the National Institute of Circus Arts only to be picked up a year later by Gravity & Other Myths. Besides circus Benton has a strong love for birdwatching.

 

Chris Carlos

Starting his career in the theatre and fire dancing world, Chris’ journey then took him to the National Institute of Circus Arts where he specialised in Russian bar. Alongside performing internationally as an independent artist, Chris also facilitates a number of circus events and festivals for the Australian community. Although Chris identifies as an ‘all-rounder’ in circus skills, his passion lies with hand to hand and is incredibly excited to be working with GOM.

 

Alex Flood (musician) 

Alexander is one of Australia's most unique and versatile young drummers. Now at the age of 22, he has been playing drums for 14 years and over that time has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including Australia's Best Up And Coming Drummer in 2012 and 2016, The John ‘Slick’ Osborne Scholarship in 2017 and the Helpmann Academy Jazz Award for Top Overall Graduate in 2018, amongst many others. Alexander has had the opportunity to share the stage with several renowned performers including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Kate Ceberano, several international cabaret stars, and has performed at events such as WOMADelaide, Adelaide Fringe and Cabaret Festivals, and in the MAMMA MIA! Australian tour in 2018. In 2017 Alexander completed his final year of studies at the University of Adelaide in the Bachelor of Music: Jazz Performance program.

 

CREATIVE TEAM 

Directors: Triton Tunis-Mitchell, Jascha Boyce, Lachlan Binns, Jacob Randell, Martin Schreiber

Composer: Elliot Zoerner

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Gravity & Other Myths 

Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) is an internationally renowned circus company pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus. Formed in Adelaide, Australia in 2009, GOM has rocketed to stellar acclaim with a series of disarmingly accomplished ensemble works. GOM’s work utilises an honest approach to performance, to create shows with a focus on human connection and acrobatic virtuosity.

GOM’s show A Simple Space has achieved huge international success, receiving multiple awards, and having performed more than 500 times across 24 countries. The follow up show Backbone, created in 2017, has already been nominated for multiple awards, had stellar reviews, and toured to festivals internationally.

GOM has a focus on community engagement and always tries to support the circus community in Adelaide, as well as local circus communities in cities they travel to.

 

About Underbelly 

Underbelly is a UK based live entertainment company. Their events and festivals division operates one of the largest operations at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, selling over 460,000 tickets for over 200 shows, in 22 venues over 25 days in 2018.

 

2018 was the sixth year Underbelly produced Edinburgh’s Christmas for City of Edinburgh Council (2017/18 saw a record breaking 781,520 tickets issued to visitors from 47 different countries), and the second year of producing Edinburgh’s Hogmanay also on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, which in 2017-18 welcomed 160,000 over 3 days.

 

2019 marks the eleventh year of Underbelly Festival on the Southbank - one of the biggest multi-arts offerings in London - with over 100 shows programmed over 6 months on the South Bank. 

 

Underbelly also produces Christmas in Leicester Square, Udderbelly Festival in Hong Kong, West End Live in Trafalgar Square for Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre.

 

Underbelly Productions is the theatrical arm of Underbelly, presenting, producing and promoting a diverse programme of international work. In 2017, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, they produced a major revival of the classic musical Five Guys Named Moe, which ran for 30 weeks at the purpose-built Marble Arch Theatre. This scorching production garnered rave reviews and was nominated for 3 WhatsOnStage Awards (including Best Musical Revival) and as Best Entertainment and Family at the 2018 Olivier Awards. In 2017 they were also Associate Producers on the UK Premiere of the musical Big Fish starring Kelsey Grammar, which enjoyed a sold-out Christmas run at The Other Palace. As part of the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Don’t Tell Me Not to Fly a one-woman cabaret featuring a revolving cast of some of the West End’s favourite leading ladies premiered in the 900-seater McEwan Hall.  

 

In 2018 Underbelly sold over 1.5 million tickets to their various events.

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