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Alumni
Graduate Story: Emily
Graduate Story: Ciaran
Graduate Story: Emba
Graduate Story: Kaiya
Graduate Story: Ruby
Georgie Hutchinson
Georgie has competed in acrobatic gymnastics at the highest level for more than 15 years – she has won National and International medals in both acrobatics and tumbling. Georgie competed for team GB in the 2022 Acrobatic World Cup in Portugal and Poland. She is also a former Cirque du Soleil perfomer and most recently is a cast member for The Greatest Showman – The Musical in partnership with Disney.
Instagram: @georgie.hutchx
Ockham’s Razor
Alex Harvey & Charlotte Mooney, co-founders of Ockham’s Razor in 2004 and joined by Tina Koch in 2005- 2021, all met whilst studying at Circomedia. Just over twenty years later, the company has several critically acclaimed productions to its name and produces some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant circus theatre anywhere in the world.
What makes Ockham’s Razor unique is their integration of physical theatre with aerial and acrobatics performed using original apparatus and equipment. Rather than paint the circus performer as a superhuman character who can achieve the impossible, Ockham’s Razor draw on what is real and human, telling stories about vulnerability, trust and reliance. They were the first British company to be funded by the Jeunes Talents Cirque and in 2007 they premiered their first full evening programme at the London International Mime Festival to sell-out audiences. Then years since their debut, Ockham’s Razor has built an international reputation for innovative, arresting and accessible theatre.
Read more about Ockham's Razor
Charlotte Mooney
Charlotte initially trained as a dancer. Whilst studying English Literature at Sussex University she discovered a passion for theatre which brought her to Circomedia. Since forming Ockham’s Razor Charlotte has devised, directed and performed in their work. She has also found time to work with companies such as Improbable, Amici Dance Theatre and the English National Opera.
Alex Harvey
Before joining Circomedia, Alex studied Singing and Fine Art at university. After discovering circus, he went on to specialise in aerial and physical theatre, combining technical skill with a strong visual sensibility. Alongside his performance work, Alex designs the custom-built apparatus for which Ockham’s Razor is renowned, and works as a consultant in equipment design and creative rigging for companies looking to push beyond the conventional.
Robin Boon Dale
Robin is a freelance performer and maker who specialises in object manipulation and physical theatre. He performs in a wide variety of styles, including contemporary circus, stand-up comedy, and cabaret/burlesque. His award winning show ‘What Does Stuff Do‘ is a TED Talk-esque performance about the relationships between people and things, which pivots between absurdity and profundity.
Not only is Dale a talented juggler, but a clever theatre-maker too.
The Circus Diaries
Instagram: @boon_tricks
Read more about Robin Boon Dale
Charly Riddett, Ben Walker, Darine Flanagan & Harry Oaken – Farm Yard Circus
Farm Yard Circus is an original outdoor circus theatre company bringing a high-energy performance rooted in farm-life culture and rural imagination. Founded in March 2019, the troupe is made up of nine circus performers and musicians who collaborate to create visually striking, family-friendly entertainment that combines acrobatics, juggling, physical theatre, and live music. Four out of the nine performers are Circomedia graduates!
Since their inception, the company has developed a reputation for creative ingenuity, engaging storytelling, and a down-to-earth charm. They also embrace sustainability as part of their ethos, having worked with environmental specialists to shape a long-term sustainability strategy for their creative practice
We have no hesitation in recommending the Farm Yard Circus to anyone. They made our day
Matt Holland, Festival Director
Read more about Farm Yard Circus
Shana Kennedy – Circadium
Shana began teaching herself circus in suburban America in the mid-1990s, when juggling was the only accessible discipline. Discovering tightwire and trapeze at Circomedia in 1995 opened up a new world of physical and mental challenge. Achieving things she once thought impossible gave her a lasting sense of empowerment, an experience that would later shape her career.
After more than a decade performing and teaching trapeze and tightwire across the US, Shana founded the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, now one of the largest recreational circus schools in America. Building on its success, she went on to establish Circadium, America’s first accredited three-year higher education programme in circus. Guided by mentor Bim Mason, she modelled aspects of Circadium on Circomedia’s integration of circus and physical theatre — fittingly, the school is also housed in a former church.
Rowan Virgo
Rowan is a UK-based circus practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience in performance, technical production and creative support for live shows.
Since graduating, Rowan has become known for his versatile role within the circus world, from rigging and technical coordination to teaching and filmmaking. He has a strong instinct for movement and loves capturing performances as they happen. Whether he’s performing, filming, or working with sound and lighting, he brings together creative ideas and technical skills to help create powerful, memorable shows.
Tilly Lee-Kronick
Tilly is a London-born aerialist, dancer, singer and physical performer who creates bold, multidisciplinary circus work that mixes aerial, theatre, music and humour. She first discovered circus at an international aerial dance festival and went came to train with us, specialising in static trapeze and physical theatre. Tilly has performed with companies such as Extraordinary Bodies, Stumble Dance Circus, Cirque Bijou, Full Tilt Aerial Dance and Rosemary Lee, and played the lead in Metta Theatre’s ‘Little Mermaid – The Circus Musical’. Her acclaimed solo show Ripe was one of the top three pieces at the Resolution Festival in 2018 and has toured nationally as part of ‘Circus Around and About.’
In 2023 she co-founded the inclusive circus company ‘Head Over Wheels’, which brings disabled and non-disabled performers together to challenge stereotypes and make accessible, exciting work for everyone. Tilly also created ‘Handful of Nothing’, a powerful aerial theatre piece blending choreography, song and storytelling that has toured the UK and been presented at venues like The Place and Circomedia. Her work continues to push boundaries in circus and performance, inviting audiences to see strength, emotion and creativity in fresh ways.
George Orange
George has more than 20 years of experience as a multi-disciplinary performance artist whose work exists at the joyful intersection of circus, theatre, and playful mischief.
From cruise ship stages to outdoor festivals and intimate theatre spaces, George has delighted audiences across the UK and internationally with inventive shows like ‘Man on the Moon’ and collaborative performances spanning circus, physical theatre, drag, and cabaret. He also co-creates the exuberant ‘Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club’ and most recently ‘The Rest of our Lives’ a collaboration with dance artist Jo Fong.
Read more about George Orange
Matilda Leyser
Matilda studied English Literature at King’s College London before training at Circomedia, where she specialised in physical theatre and aerial silks. She spent a decade performing as an aerialist and actor with major companies and venues including the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Opera House, as well as touring her own solo show internationally.
In 2008, Matilda stepped away from aerial performance to retrain in writing and theatre, studying at Drama Centre London and completing an MFA at Goddard College. She now works as an Associate Director with Improbable and founded Mothers Who Make, a national support network for artist parents. From international touring to directing and writing her first novel, Matilda’s career shows how creative skills can evolve and open up new paths over time.
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I have gained connections through Circomedia that have shaped my life as a professional. I have been hired by people I met though being a student and I belong to a broad network of alumni who all support each other in finding work.
Ruby Lestrange, Foundation Degree 2024
Gemma Mawson
Gemma is the driving force behind G.E.M.S Circus Arts School, a vibrant youth circus training centre on the Dorset coast. She discovered her passion for circus as a teenager when she began training at Circomedia and also NCCA.
With a commitment to creating a fun, supportive and creative environment, Gemma leads G.E.M.S with energy, expertise and heart. Under her guidance, students of all ages grow in confidence, build strong skills across circus disciplines, and thrive in a community that celebrates creativity, courage and teamwork.
Read more about Gemma Mawson
Poppy Emer Greenford
Bumble Movement Arts is a vibrant circus-theatre company blending movement, storytelling and nature-inspired ideas to create work that’s playful and powerful. Founded by graduate Poppy, the project began during her Final Major Project at Circomedia, where she first started exploring the world of bees and how they communicate through movement. That curiosity grew into a creative company that uses circus and physical theatre to explore connection, community and our relationship with the environment.
Since then, Bumble Movement Arts has created outdoor shows like ‘Bee-ology’, interactive performances and workshops that invite audiences to move, think and see the world differently. Supported by arts organisations in the UK and Ireland, the company continues to create bold, accessible work that feels relevant, imaginative and full of energy.
Read more about Poppy Emer Greenford
Tom Wainwright
Tom is a Bristol-based writer and performer whose work blends bold storytelling with live performance. His first play, Muscle, was developed at Residence and toured nationally with Hull Truck Theatre in association with Bristol Old Vic. He went on to create Pedestrian, a multimedia solo show co-commissioned by Theatre Bristol and Bristol Old Vic, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2010 before touring nationally to critical acclaim.
As an actor, Tom has worked with leading companies including Bristol Old Vic, Tobacco Factory, Theatre Alibi, and Bodies In Flight, as well as appearing on BBC One and BBC Radio 4. He has also performed with and managed the internationally renowned street theatre show The Big Heads, bringing large-scale spectacle to audiences around the world.
Charles Brockbank
Charles is a circus performer and creator who blends juggling, balance and dance into an eye-catching solo act called SoloAct. In his performance 10 Rings, he mixes traditional toss juggling with contemporary choreography and music, stacking three different sized rings into increasingly precarious shapes. His act has been presented at venues and events including Circomedia, Shambala Festival, Act Festival Bilbao, Invisible Circus Cabaret, and even Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford‑upon‑Avon.
Read more about Charles Brockbank
Green Eyed Zero
Both Rachel and Sebastien trained at Circomedia before setting up Green Eyed Zero in 2006, a company specialising in circus, physical theatre, and digital media, recognised as “one of the most challenging and innovative young companies around” (Gareth Lloyd Roberts, Wales Millennium Centre). The company toured at the National Theatre, The Lowry, and Dartington Arts and have been artists in residence at Circomedia and The Merlin Theatre, Frome.
Green Eyed Zero has developed three shows: In The Shadow of Picture Frames (2008); Folie à Deux (2011) and A Show About Choice (2014). Their projects have been supported by the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts Scheme and Folie à Deux was heavily supported by the Lowry and their Studio Theatre.
In Conversation with Danny Chase
In this interview, Danny Chase (2004 graduate) reflects on his journey from circus training to the West End and beyond. He speaks candidly about the realities of a life in performance.
Read the full interview here.
Catherine Boot – Can’t Sit Still
Cat trained in European Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College and subsequently worked as an actor for nine years before coming to Circomedia (2011) to learn about integrating circus and physical theatre as a director. Alongside teaching at Circomedia across both the BTEC and degree programmes, Cat is the Artistic Director of Can’t Sit Still.
Can’t Sit Still is a UK arts charity that creates bold, inclusive theatre and circus experiences for children, young people and families. They work with communities who might not usually see themselves represented in the arts, using performance, music and storytelling to bring people together and spark creativity. Their work has been nationally recognised, including being shortlisted for the ‘Fantastic for Families Awards’.
Cat is also a freelance director and workshop facilitator and has worked with the Roundhouse, PanGottic Circus-Theatre, Hubbub Theatre, and Travelling Light.
Read more about Can't Sit Still