Inspired by and set around the time of silent movie actors Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the first show from North-Devon based contemporary circus theatre company Kook Ensemble is set to premiere at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on September 14.

Filibuster, the story of one man trying to escape the chaos through his wildly playful imagination, will also be visiting Exeter Phoenix and Beaford in Barnstaple, as well as visiting a number of venues around the UK.

In the late 1910s as the world crumbles, gentleman juggler Tom Gaskin plays Bertie, who turns his back on the world and leaves his home for a derelict cottage in the woods, where he waits for a love he’s maybe never met.

On his own with only his thoughts, he finds increasingly absurd ways to distract himself from his loneliness and his boredom. Performed with tricks, clowning and audience participation, Filibuster reflects Kook Ensemble’s aims to create character-driven circus theatre.

Filibuster has been created and developed by Tom Gaskin with Kook Ensemble founders Sean Kempton and Michaela O’Connor, who, between them have over eight decades of experience in creating and performing circus, specialising in gentleman juggling, clowning and aerial.

Sean Kempton said, “Filibuster was built upon an initial idea from Tom, and he approached me to help build a show. We both had a love of early days silent movie comedians and vaudeville and wanted to construct a world that could occupy both Tom's high-level skill set and a Buster Keaton like environment.

“All Kook's work aims to entertain and move an audience. We like to play on the lines of comedy and tragedy presented as honestly as possible. The show will allow the audience to come away having had an enjoyable night but also be moved in some way.”

Kook Ensemble aims to make character-driven, compelling and playful work. The company was founded in 2023 by Michaela O’Connor and Sean Kempton, drawing on decades of international circus experience, including with Cirque du Soleil. 

Michaela is a physical actor, aerialist and director, whose work has taken her from the Royal Albert Hall and West End to Broadway. Credits include Le Reve Franco Dragone, Barnam Cameron Mackintosh, Opening Ceremony for London Olympics and most recently directing work for Secret Cinema. Michaela is also leading teaching faculty member on the Degree Course at the National Centre for Circus Arts. 

Sean’s most recent work includes Secret Cinema, Cirque du Soleil, Underbelly South Bank London, Roald Dahl Story Company, London Mime and Vamos theatre. He was an original cast member and comedy creator for Franco Dragones iconic Le Reve in Las Vegas. 

Tom Gaskin is an accomplished actor and circus/stand up/cabaret artist. He grew up with family ties to big top circus shows, particularly clowning, which nurtured a passion for circus arts and skills. Tom graduated from the NCCA with a first-class honours degree and has since developed himself as a performer and creator, including appearing in Tim Burton’s remake of Disney’s Dumbo.

He is particularly interested in the process of using circus arts to create characters and develop narratives that bring new audiences to circus theatre and is excited to be working with Sean Kempton to explore this concept with Filibuster.

List of upcoming events as part of the Filibuster tour:

Filibuster is Kook Ensemble’s first show, they will be touring with their second show, Sand, in 2025.

For more information on Kook Ensemble’s new show and to view their tour dates, visit: www.kookensemble.com