Interview: Linus Karp on HOW TO LIVE A JELLICLE LIFE: LIFE LESSONS FROM THE 2019 HIT MOVIE MUSICAL ‘CATS’
Photo credit: Dave Bird
Ahead of its 2021 summer tour, we caught up with actor Linus Karp, the star of Awkward Productions’ How To Life A Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the 2019 Hit Movie Musical ‘Cats’ - a one man comedic parody that celebrates one of the biggest cinematic flops of recent years.
When did you first see the stage show of Cats the Musical?
I am still yet to! I didn't have much interest in Cats until I saw the film - and it blew my mind! I have since seen the recording of the stage show many a time, but for obvious reasons I haven't been able to see a live performance of Cats since. Hopefully this year!
After being panned by the critics, what did you personally think of the 2019 Cats movie? Best/worst scene or moment?
I love it beyond words. It's just enjoyable, weird and unique beyond belief. So many highlights - the milk bar scene, Ian McKellen lapping milk, Ray Winstone, Taylor Swift and her catnip, Judi Dench breaking the fourth wall... Worst would have to be the "comedy" of James Corden.
Which character from Cats are you most like?
I'd like to think Mistoffelees. Clumsy, awkward - but also magical, kind and, at least in the stage show, very gay.
Do you need to have seen the musical in one of its forms to fully appreciate your production?
No. One of the five star reviews from last time said they'd never seen it, another that they'd hated the film - so you don't need to have seen it in order to still be able to have a fun and jellicle time. But if you haven't seen the cinematic masterpiece that is Cats yet you really should rectify that as soon as you possibly can.
In ‘normal’ life, are you a dog or cat person?
Maybe this is the moment where I lose all credibility, but I am a dog person. I've always had a dog growing up and whilst cats are obviously great too, dogs are just the best.
What are the benefits and challenges of performing a one-person show?
The main challenge is that you don't have other people to share the performances with - there's no one there to save you when you struggle or for you to share the highs and lows of a run with - it can get lonely. One of the good things is that you have a lot of freedom on stage. And then, of course, that you don't have to share the attention with those pesky performers more talented than you.
How would you encourage audiences to come and see How To Live A Jellicle Life?
By telling them it's fun. I've tried to put all of the elements I've missed the most throughout all the lockdowns into it by having it being silly, funny and, most of all, LIVE, where the communication with the audience plays a key part. One of the reviews called it "the tonic we all need", which sums up pretty well what I was working towards.
There seems to be an animal theme running through your shows under the Awkward Productions canopy. What can we expect from you next?
Haha, I know! Sexy animals seem to have been my forte so far. I have been slowly working on a new show which will be 100% animal free! It'll be very silly, very queer and quite a political show. I hope to be able to stage it before too long!
How To Live A Jellicle Life: Life Lessons From The 2019 Hit Movie Musical ‘Cats’ plays in London from 1-5 June, before visiting other UK venues. Book your tickets now here for an unquestionably jellicle time!
