Beth St John grew up as a trampoliner who competed nationally before moving on to Circus in her early 20, specialising in cyr wheel and aerial straps.
Mostly self-taught, she has toured with three New Zealand-based circus companies across New Zealand, Australia and Canada before returning to the UK.
Now she arrives at Glastonbury Festival, performing in the Theatre & Circus fields with a brand new cyr wheel act. She tells us more.
Q&A with Beth St John
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Bristol-based circus artist. Although originally from the UK, I mostly grew up in New Zealand before returning a couple of years ago. I predominantly perform cyr wheel but I also love performing ensemble acrobatics – especially where performers are required to bounce off each other – both metaphorically and physically.
How did you get into live performance?
Kinda fell into it by accident. I have never been to a circus school or formally trained and didn’t initially set out to become a professional circus performer! I started training at a circus space in Auckland, New Zealand, the community there was incredibly welcoming and I was invited to perform in their circus and theatre shows. It was something I never expected, but now, I can’t imagine having done anything else.
What’s it like to be performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival?
It is very exciting and a fantastic opportunity for me. Given it is only my second Glastonbury, I know a little of what to expect, but also imagine there will be many surprises in store for me.
What can you tell us about your plans for the shows?
I will be debuting a brand new cyr wheel act. A feel-good, upbeat act to dazzle the crowds. It is exciting for me as the stage is fairly large in comparison to what I usually perform on, so I am able to add tricks I would not often have the opportunity to perform.
How do you approach performing at a festival like this?
I like to keep things pretty low-key when I am performing. It’s essential I remain calm on the inside even if I am giving it a lot of energy on stage! One lapse of concentration during my act could lead to the cyr wheel going fairly off-piste!
Will you be checking out any other acts across the weekend?
For sure! I will definitely watch a fair amount of circus, there is always lots to be inspired by, especially in the theatre and circus field! I am not much of a planner when it comes to seeing music or acts on the other side of the festival, I like to trudge around and see what I stumble across. And of course, looking forward to a good boogie!
