Linus Karp is the writer and performer of how to live a jellicle life, which returns for a tour after two previous sold out runs.
Following the success of Awkward Conversations With Animals I’ve F*cked (Underbelly Edinburgh 2018, King’s Head Theatre + National Tour 2019) Awkward Productions have returned with yet another show about… sexy animals.
This one-man comedic parody that celebrates one of the biggest cinematic flops of recent years will be touring 22 venues all over the UK. Full tour listings and ticket information can be found here.
You’re returning with ‘how to live a jellicle life’ for a brand new tour, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a very queer and very silly show about finding your jellicality within. Peppered with pop culture, jellicle dancing and queer joy. Having seen Cats is not a requirement – by the end of the night you’ll be jellicle either way.
What was it about this particular cinematic flop that inspired you to create a stage show?
There has never been and will never be a film quite like it. Yes, there has been flops, but Cats is not comparable to most. An Oscar winning director taking on one of the most popular musicals of all time, with a ridiculously star studded cast and a $100 million budget – and the result is pure chaos!
I just want to know everything about the jellicle world – the more I watch the film the more questions I have. The film is incredible and terrible at the same time – there really is nothing like it.
This is the biggest tour you’ve done to date, what are you looking forward to most about getting out on the road?
Meeting new audiences. There is nothing more exciting. Every audience is different so it’s so exciting, and a bit scary, to see what the reaction will be in all the different cities.
It’s had two previous runs, what surprised you most about the audience reaction?
That people just seem to get the show and go along with the jellicle weirdness! I made a show that I myself would be the target audience for, I am delighted that others are enjoying it too – it’s the best feeling and I have so much fun doing it.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in bringing the show back?
Money and covid. It’s challenging doing theatre and as I self-produce I don’t have the budget to market the way I like – and finding an audience in 20 different cities is hard work! Covid of course brings a lot of uncertainty and it stops many people from buying tickets in advance. We are streaming the show this time as well, so that people who may not feel comfortable with traveling to or attending a show can still see it.
Do you have a favourite or particularly memorable part of the show that you look forward to each night?
I start offstage and the most exciting part is hearing the audience react to the first couple of minutes of the show before I go on stage.
When I hear the first laughter I feel like “I’ve got this”. I also go full conspiracy theorist for a segment of the show which I also very much enjoy as it’s very contrasting to the rest of the performance.
What would you say to all the jellicle people out there who might be thinking of booking a ticket for how to live a jellicle life?
Do it – you only live nine-ce!
q- “I made a show that I myself would be the target audience for, I am delighted that others are enjoying it too – it’s the best feeling”
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