Hugh W Brown is 49 year old actor, writer and clown from Belfast. Hugh specialises in making theatre for young audiences recently working with Cahoots NI on their latest production, The University of Wonder and Imagination. Hugh studied performing arts at B.I.F.H.E and on a work experience assignment he was introduced to the local circus and street theatre scene and has never looked back since!
What would you be best known for?
I have a well travelled one man show under the guise, Jitterbug Jackson and for many years have been involved in the creation and performance of many shows by Cahoots NI.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Writing, producing, directing and performing in a feature film in Cambodia.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
To try and be loyal, respectful, resourceful, honest and kind.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
The most challenging performance involved walking down the face of a four storey building in Austria whilst singing a ballad I’d written. It was very scary!
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I live in Belfast with my partner Philippa and our puppy dog Elvis. He’s a recent arrival so has turned our lives upside down but we are loving finding great places close to Belfast for walks and I’m still just about managing to find time for writing, reading and tinkering on my synthesisers.
Tell us about your most recent work?
Before lockdown we toured in China for two months with the Cahoots NI show, Shh We Have a Plan. An amazing experience. Since lockdown I have been doing a lot of writing and I created a video series on YouTube called Jitterbug TV which was designed to provide some entertainment and interactive fun for families looking for a little distraction and alternative to the pressures of home schooling.
What would you like us to tell people about?
Coming soon, Cahoots NI’s new show, The University of Wonder and Imagination! I’ve been involved in the writing and preparation for this. It’s gonna be great!
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
I would hope that my work could be described as fun, imaginative, challenging, thought provoking and often very, very silly.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
Working alongside the actress Christina Nelson has provided a multitude of funny experiences. Always expect the unexpected with Christina!
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Try to develop as much of a variety of skills as you can. Learn to sing, tap dance, walk on stilts, play the trombone. Make yourself unique and invaluable to directors and theatre makers.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
Subscribe to my YouTube channel ( Hugh W. Brown ). There’s a mix of music, circus, travel documentary, my movie and of course Jitterbug TV!
Check out Hugh’s youtube channel here>>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzbmc7o8_DOSo127bLofUDg
Who do you look up to and why?
I look up to my Mum, Sheila, who always gave me support and guidance and the time and space to find my own path. I will always be thankful for that. And to two friends that I have lost, Mike Moloney and Will Chamberlain, who were always on my side, pushing my career and ideas forward and who taught me the true meaning of community.
Hugh will be performing in the new Cahoots NI show the University of Wonder & Imagination. The show is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. The University of Wonder & Imagination will be making it’s Northern Ireland premiere at the Belfast International Arts Festival from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1. For more information or to book go to http://www.cahootsni.com/ or https://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/ Â
