QUESTIONS FOR MEMBERS INTERVIEWS
What do you do (in a nutshell?!)
Andy Benfield is one of three founders of the Travelling Light Circus. Their work
ranges from Interactive Art Installations to Street Theatre, with many performances
incorporating LED Lighting and Fire. The Travelling Light Circus comprises of three
founding core members, however their performances have led them to work with over
20 different performers and technicians over the past 12 months, numbers being
tailored to the commission or production.
What are you are proud of?
Andy is very proud of the variety the Travelling light Circus have been able to exhibit
in their performances, being able to embrace different types of events and exhibitions
that can engage the audience and leave them with a smile on their face.
One exhibition in particular, the Supersonic Space bending Wave Machine, is a
source of immense pride for Andy, with its display in December 2014 attracting over
20,000 visitors over 5 days.
The group are also extremely proud of the preparation they have put into their
upcoming work for Chinese New Year, which will Feature the Travelling Light
Circus engaging the people of Manchester with Street Performances retelling some of
the great Chinese stories.
Away from the Travelling Light Circus, Andy could not speak more proudly of his
three sons, ranging from the age of three to pre-teen to young man.
Have you always wanted to be in the arts?
Andy went to University in Manchester with the initial aim of becoming an
Aerospace engineer, and came away from the university with a degree in Social
Sciences.
For a number of years afterwards he worked in television, primarily in Documentary
making, and it was during this time that his desire to be more creative with video, and
produce something more engaging and responsive to audiences that the authored and
fixed structure of documentaries, this led to the beginnings of the Travelling Light
Circus.
Who are your heroes/heroines? When asked this question, the first thought that comes to Andy’s mind is the quote,
"You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of
the time" came from Circus Legend, P. T. Barnum. He also draws inspiration from a
variety of sources, while watching the performances and themes of other artists this
would spark a novel idea to develop into a performance for the Circus.
If you had to give a younger you advice, what would you say?
If Andy could speak to the Andy of 5 years prior, with the formation of the Travelling
Light Circus, he would tell himself to be more open minded about the type and size of
audiences that would enjoy and benefit from their performances and work, and to look
beyond the initial market that they saw for their work, which was engaging audiences
up and down the country at festivals.
What sums up your philosophy on life?
If you really want something that is positive and you want it enough you can make it
happen.
Can you describe one of your favourite projects to date?
As mentioned earlier, the development and creation of the Supersonic Space bending
Wave Machine has been a great source of enjoyment and prideof Andy and the
Travelling Light Circus. Following the display of a smaller scale version at an event
in the summer of 2013, Andy sought to develop the idea and scale of the display, and
building on months of research both from an engineering (harking back to his early
interest in Engineering) and artist perspective, a prospective commission came about
that was a perfect fit for the display. The development and Research Andy had
previously put into the display meant that he was able to turn around a proposal to the
organisers of the event in under a week, which was accepted and led to the 5 day
event that drew over 20,000 visitors in December.
Once the commission and funding was won, Andy set about learning 3D modelling to
enable the vision to become a reality, as it could only be built once without additional
funding. The result is something that words do not do justice to, and truly dines the
phrase arts meets science. The changing patterns and shapes that form during the
performance build on theories/work with sound barrier and shockwaves by Austrian
Physicist Ernst Mach in the 19th Century to create a mesmerising display.
Who would you most like to work with?
The travelling light circus have ambitions to perform bigger and better displays, and
are always looking for opportunities to work with people/groups involved in
projection mapping and larger pyrotechnics than they currently have at their disposal.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Aside from being an avid Football fan, many of Andy’s pastimes marry to the work
he does with the circus, storytelling, spinning fire with likeminded friends, and it was
from these social centric activities that the group became a professional entity. It is
this passion that allows him to develop more extravagant routines to develop and
bring to the public attention. Taking his sons to the Museum of Science and Industry
is also a great source of pleasure, and something that also harbours a desire to work
more with such museums and programmes to bring science and arts to children and
adults in an educational environment.
What have you got coming up?
The travelling light circus are performing at the Chinese New year in Manchester
Town centre, from the 19-21st February, and will be producing various Street theatre
displays, involving storytelling, street dancing, stilt walking, and the use of a
Victorian carriage, with the main display occurring throughout the day and evening
on the 19th February.
Is there anything you’d like to offer PANDA members?
If any of the light Circus’s ideas and displays spark an idea or would be a good source
of collaboration with a fellow members work, please get in into contact
Is there anything you would like from PANDA members?
As above
Why did you join PANDA?/What do you like about PANDA?
Opportunity to network with cross art form members, the training opportunities
offered, they have gotten to meet other members face to face at events, networking,
and training with Annemarie been invaluable.The fact they are North West centric is
also a great benefit.
What 3 key things would help you get where you’d like to be in your career?
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Funding to allow for the production of larger scale projects.
More opportunity for outdoor arts and productions.
Since losing their old rehearsal space (high ceilings a must), the group have
been on the lookout for a favourably priced rehearsal space, if any of the
PANDA members know of anywhere please feel free to get into touch.
Is there anything PANDA could do to help with this?
More of the same, the continuing support of Anne-Marie and other members she has
introduced to them who can bounce ideas off relating to developing proposals and
funding bids.
Also if any members have access or know of a rehearsal space, or are looking for a
display for a future event, their consideration would be welcomed.
If you weren’t a **** (see answer to 1st question) what would you be?
Andy would most likely be making more television, documentaries and corporate
videos, although he would be frustrated as this wasn’t a creative outlet for his ideas
and talents.