In part two of my interview with theatre/circus director Catrin Osborne, we talked about her stilt walking, her portraits of menopausal women, her creativity, neuro-diversity and winter swimming. In addition, as director of Osborne and What, Catrin has produced some spectacular stage adaptations of groundbreaking books.

Leslie: What are the other notable Osborne and What projects (for instance stilt walking and menopausal women)? How do you begin, grow and develop ideas as an individual and as a company?

Catlin: Walkabout stilt gigs in costume were something I started to do in circus. There are events and festivals and all sorts of street theatre stuff you can do and get paid for as a freelance performer. I love my Miss Havisham stilt costume – made by designer Ilona Karas – because I get to be old and weird! Continue reading CATRIN OSBORNE: DIRECTING THEATRE/CIRCUS, Part 2 →

I interviewed theatre/circus director Catrin Osborne of Osborne and What about her spectacular stage adaptations of groundbreaking books. Catrin describes herself as a: “Neuro-diverse artist & writer, winter swimmer and dog lover.”

Leslie: Why do you call your theatre/circus company Osborne and What?

Catrin: I wanted to use my surname and I like the idea of “What” like whatever, or what? So it leaves possibilities open for the kind of work the company can make. As my MA was in performance design in the loosest sense of the word, I trained with visual artists, choreographers, writers, set designers, and directors. Continue reading CATRIN OSBORNE: DIRECTING THEATRE/CIRCUS, Part 1 →

Systems engineer Suzie Olsen is a children’s author who performs various science, technology, engineering, art and math experiments with her family. Through her books and her website, Suzie aims to, “show children, especially girls and minorities, that maths is fun” and to “spark their curiosity” in both the arts and the sciences.

Leslie: Can you give examples, please, of what you do as a systems engineer? What’s exciting and challenging about this work? Continue reading STEM SPARK AUTHOR & THE INCLUSIVE ART OF SCIENCE →

I interviewed Cina Aissa, who is is a multimedia artist, musician and storyteller, using the gifts of neurodivergence and disability to make the world a better place. Cina says about herself, “I currently live in London where I’m kept busy separating my fighting cats.”

Leslie: What are the most important personal stories that lie behind your self-description as a ‘disabled artivist and migrant’ please? How have these experiences shaped your core values? Continue reading DISABLED ‘ARTIVIST’ MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE →

I interviewed author Maggie Richell-Davies about winning the  Historical Writers’ Association 2020 Unpublished Novel Award, with The Servant. Maggie says about her book: “It was inspired by a visit to London’s Foundling Hospital Museum, with its heart-breaking stories about the tokens desperate women left there in the hope that they might, one day, be able to reclaim their child.”

I also asked Maggie, who has been shortlisted for the Bridport Flash, Olga Sinclair and Joan Hessayon Awards, about what it’s like to be a first-time published author late in life.

Leslie: Can you explain what you mean by, “…my link with the north-east is reflected in my author name: Maggie Richell-Davies.” Continue reading THE COMPASSIONATE HISTORICAL NOVELIST →