Qualifying from Circomedia Circus School in Bristol, Ken has performed in Circus around the world in group or solo shows as an Artist, Acrobat, Clown and also as a Filmmaker. Ken runs a multimedia production company, AKenEvilThing, where he is the Author and Director of low-budget independent films.
Ken is one of two Senior Artists and Co-Founders of Tumble Circus, an International award-winning circus company, and is Ireland’s non-traditional Big Top touring circus. The organisation was set up by Ken Fanning and Tina Serger who met as street performers in 1995.
Tumble Circus Presents: Winter Circus is set to return this year for their annual three week circus extravaganza event from 17th December 2021 to 3rd January 2022.
Where do you live?
Caravans, hotels, back of our Ford’s transit, sometime in my house in Belfast.
What do you do?
Create circus devilment in big tops on the street and on film.
How did you get started in the industry?
I didn’t want to be part of any industry, or have a career, I wanted adventure.
What genre / style do you create in?
The ‘just do it, get it out there and don’t worry too much about what people think’ style.
What would you be best known for?
David Bowie punched me.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Being punched by David Bowie, I deserved it.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
Don’t be part of the industry.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Not dying, Circus is about taking risks, finding your limits and pushing them but also knowing when enough is enough. Sometimes you get it wrong, sometimes you miss or something snaps and your ego becomes humbled. The golden rule is not to die and not to let anyone die.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
Of all the things I have made, my 14 year old son is the most annoying. I love him to bits but to be honest, I didn’t really want a son, I wanted a playstation.
Tell us about your most recent work?
At the moment, I’m in the South of France shooting a short circus film about two feminist chickens living in a 200 year old chicken coop that keep getting attacked by a macho Spanish Fox. This kind of thing is normal for me.
What would you like us to tell people about?
Tumble Circus will return to Belfast’s Writers’ Square this Christmas.
Running from December 17 right the way through to January 3 the Winter Circus shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack, visitors to the big top can expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus.
From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters both young and old audiences will be able to enjoy the show whilst expecting big laughs and some mighty craic.”
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
“Tumble Circus, the Irish Cirque de Soleil if Cirque de Soleil was hit by a bus”
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
The fact we actually make a living from it.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Don’t do it to be part of an industry, or to have a career. Do it because you want to have an adventure and be part of a great international circus family.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
I love living in Belfast, it has a great active Arts community that is thriving and successful. I like to think that Tumble Circus is a vital part of that community and we add value to our city.
Who do you look up to and why?
All our Tumble Crew. They continue to inspire me with their ability, creativeness, passion and skill. I am humbled that they keep playing with us.
Ken will be performing in Tumble Circus’ Winter Circus from December 17 to January 3, 2022.
Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and Destination CQ BID
Tickets are £9-£14 + booking fee and available from wegottickets.com/JossersBigTop, or for more information go to tumblecircus.com. Family tickets are also available and group bookings (10+) can be booked by emailing [email protected].