Five Minutes with Thomas Gorham from Head First Acrobats

Elixir combines world-class circus skills with narrative storytelling and physical comedy. The story follows three bumbling, albeit handsome acrobats as they attempt to create the elixir of life.

They say you shouldn’t consume any medicine without checking the warning label first – so what’s on the warning label for this elixir?

[Laughs] Yes! Elixir contains some adult themes in the mix, and there are parts where the acrobats wear little clothing. However, it is all tongue-in-cheek, and kids do love the show, although sometimes I think they shouldn’t!

Who’s starring in the show?

There are three characters in the show, all played by graduates of the National Institute of Circus Arts. Rowan Thomas is our resident funnyman and cyr wheel artist. His character continually attempts to get in on the action in the show, but he is bullied by the boss character (myself) and peer pressured into trying concoctions. He spins the roue cyr (a giant metal wheel) and he is considered to be one of the best in the world at his apparatus. Cal Harris plays the strong silent character, a handsome fool somewhere in between Fabio and Zoolander, but with a lot more muscle. I play the top character, the angry boss who tries to get things done, but is mostly thwarted by circumstance or idiocy. I’m another all-around acrobat, and I play the breakdancing zombie as well.

How important is the ingredient of humour in a production like this?

Humour is the most important aspect of the show! Without it, it’s just guys doing tricks – our narrative would never work without the humour.

Circus and acrobatics have been around for many years – what is it about them that endures?

Everybody loves the circus – there is nothing like seeing the human body do something that should be impossible. There is no green screen or special effects, just skill right in front of your eyes. I don’t think this form of entertainment could ever truly die.