Circus visit and Recycled UV Installationat at the Scala, Kings Cross.

After a Saturday night old scholars cabaret packed with fun, old friends and great musical performances I was consequently in no fit state to see the, No Fit State Circus in Brighton the following day. The day had been planned, my friend had booked tickets and the kids were excited about their trip to the seaside circus. Unfortunately we missed the first 15 minutes of the show but upon arrival were gripped immediately, my hangover hand begun to disappear. The echoing soundtrack, infectious energy of the performers and the emotive sound of the double bass helped to soothe my throbbing head.

The beautiful visuals and incredible moving set leave never a dull moment keeping the audience fully engaged every step of the way. Packed with daring, fun, vibrant and engaging performances this circus was a truly transformative experience surging me out of hangover and back into the land of the living. The daring array of aerial artists, the hilarious French speaking balance act, a brilliant band playing music that could move you to tears one minute and make you dance the next, all in all a show not to be missed. We didn’t see our group of excited children for the whole performance as they were fully engaged in moving with the performers as the set was rearranged around them, adding further to the engrossing experience of this show format. Well Done, No Fit State Circus thanks for a great afternoon out and thanks for shifting my hangover, great show!

Carnival of Love – SOAS end of term party, Scala Kings Cross.

Invited to provide some UV décor for this end of term party we were happy to dust off the recycled UV mushrooms the Spikes and create some cuddly, glowing lettering to go with the lovely theme of the evening. It’s been a long time since we have created a UV installation and it was great fun to have the opportunity. The night itself proved to be great event diverse in content, well programmed and delivered with a bang.

The Carnival of Love started at SOAS student union kick started by a Bollywood association pre-party after which partygoers gathered on University campus to wind their way through the streets of London from SOAS to the Scala at Kings Cross. The SOAS Samba Band led the way, beating drums, whistles, glorious costumed fire-performers (Happy Slap Boutique) and hundreds of party ready students made for a Carnival of Love procession beyond the expectations of the organisers themselves. With the intention to add some colour and love to the slightly grey chilly spring time its no wonder that the sun has been out ever since! The enormous procession was well in excess of expected numbers and the team from the Student Union Office at SOAS rose to the challenge exceptionally well working hard to ensure the safety of students was protected. The Team of Stewards guided the dancing throng safely from the Union Bar to the Scala to enjoy an evening of dancing and music.

The well-received diverse and talented musical line up included energetic and adept musical performances from Tankus the Henge, The Zong Zing All Stars and the Blind Thug Orchestra with a line up of DJ’s whose beatcraft successfully weaved a web from traditional samba and salsa to heavy dub step. The night was a huge success well attended and enjoyed by all. The friendly approachable staff at the Scala helped to maintain the happy, friendly, event atmosphere; their hospitality was gladly received by event organisers.

This not for profit event was programmed and organised by the Student Union Office, all profits are channelled back into future events and help to support University Clubs/Associations and other Student Union Activities.

My Story Herts - Artist-in-Residence at Hertfordshire Libraries.