Hello! Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hi! My name is Linus Karp, I am an actor and theatre maker from Sweden. I’m a proud jellicle, queer foreigner.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no such thing! Recently my “routine” tends to consist of sleeping in for too long, going for long walks and just trying to be as jellicle as I possibly can.
What is your earliest ‘art’ memory?
Aged 4, when my dad brought down his old lego from the attic. It was a moment that unleashed a whole new world of creativity.
And how did you get into theatre? What has been your career path to where you are now?
I remember playing a squirrel dad in pre-school and my career path was set! I grew up in the Swedish forest where a theatre scene was almost non-existent, so I moved away for drama school in my late teens and then moved to London not too long after finishing. After a few awkward years of trying to find my way around the acting world of the UK, here I now stand ready with the most jellicle of shows.
‘How to live a jellicle life’ is returning to the Lion and Unicorn Theatre. Can you tell us about the show?
It is a jellicle and very informative show all about the jellicle lessons we can learn from the jellicle cats in the 2019 hit movie musical ‘Cats’. It’s ridiculous, silly and very queer – and it doesn’t require any previous knowledge of the cinematic masterpiece on which it’s based. Being an opinionated queer foreigner definitely has shaped the show as well – one of the reviews described the show as “the vehicle for Linus Karp’s exposition of 21st century social politics.” which I loved. Most of all though I just want it to be an hour of fun in the hellscape of 2020.
What was the writing process like for this show?
I had maybe half of the content ready in March and was going to bring the show to the Fringe. When that sadly got cancelled my drive for working on the show died down a bit – but having months of lockdown to slowly work on it I don’t think was a bad thing – ideas and jokes would come to me naturally over time rather than having to be forced by a strict deadline.
Did you watch the Cats movie? Do you have any thoughts about it?
YES! I’ve seen Cats many times and I absolutely love it. I think it’s the most enjoyable film you could ever watch. It has incredible performers doing amazing, ridiculous and… questionable things – sometimes simultaneously. I can’t watch it without thinking HOW WAS THIS MADE throughout – Sir Ian McKellen lapping up milk with his tongue, Dame Judi Dench doing high kicks and Taylor Swift covering them both in cat nip – it’s just incredible and you never have or ever will watch anything like it.
We previously reviewed your performance in Rob Hayes ‘Awkward Conversations with Animals I’ve F*cked’, which was a challenging watch with some very difficult subject matter. How did you prepare for that show? Was it a challenging performance?
Yes, I got a very wonderful review from you! It was a challenging performance – it’s a very funny script but it’s also portraying a deeply unhappy person during a breakdown. Things start bad and then just continue to get worse throughout. It was challenging to go through that every night, but I do think it’s an outstanding script, and it showed such an interesting side of such a weird character – so it was a privilege to perform it.
What attracted you to the piece?
The dark comedy combined with the genuine emotion in it. It’s hilariously funny, deeply tragic and opens up so many questions and conversations without giving answers. Having read it I felt like I MUST do this – I’ve never connected with a script like that.
Returning to ‘A jellicle life’, should an audience expect anything as awkward?
Haha! My dancing in a catsuit may very well be as awkward, but overall ‘Jellicle’ is a much lighter show than ‘Awkward Conversations’ – it’s silly and ridiculous beginning to end.
Speaking of awkward (although perhaps an understatement!), how has Covid-19 impacted your artwork this year? Have you found opportunity in the adversity?
It’s been an incredibly tough year to create anything in terms of live performance. I feel so grateful to get to do this but the show saw many set-backs and it was a constant fear that it wouldn’t be able to go ahead. It’s also a challenge to get people to attend – whilst I would never do the show had I not felt like the venue had been safe I understand that some people aren’t comfortable going out, or, understandably, travelling to the venue. Where it’s safe to do so I really hope people support the venues and artists creating work – it is the only way to keep the incredible theatre scene alive.
Do you think it will have any long term impacts on the industry?
It’s been heart-breaking to see venues close down – some permanently. That damage is irreversible. Even if we were to be able to go back to some form of normality soon I do think we’re still a long way off from many theatres being what they were. Supporting the forms of theatre that are still being created against the odds is the only way forward.
And looking more broadly at the theatre industry, is there anything you think should change? What are some of the blemishes you’d like to see removed?
I’d love for many people to realise that theatre is so much more than the West End. Regional and Fringe theatre can be so magical and rarely get the attention or support they deserve. That you need to have money to create or get successful is something I’d love to change. In terms of diversity I do love how far we’ve come in the last few years – but I do think it’s important to look further than just the performers on stage – are the people in charge actually diverse or still white British? Do we champion new and diverse work or keep recycling the same classics? In terms of diversity it’s great that gender, sexuality, race and disability is often brought up – but I do think nationality is often forgotten. Such a large percentage of the UK population is non-British and still that is rarely reflected on stage and screen. And even when there are “foreign” parts they are so often played by a Brit doing an accent. There are so many great immigrant voices in this country that deserve to be heard!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Back off – Jellicle shows are my turf! No, but what I would recommend to people starting out is to create their own work rather than wait to be cast. The industry is not fair and often that could be the only way to make sure you are working. I think this year has taught us to not take anything for granted – whatever you want to do or create do it now! It’s a cliché, but I do think we only regret the things we don’t do. And support the creative work of those around you the way you wish your work would be supported!
And if you could send a message to 16-year-old Linus, what would you say to him?
I feel like I’m on Drag Race! I was a very shy, lonely and awkward teenager so I’d probably say you are enough – find theatre groups or other places with your kind of people, fuck what others think, dare to have fun and also come out – no-one but you has a problem with it.
Where can people find out more about you?
A good place would be at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre next week… Also @linuskarp on social media.
And where can they buy tickets for ‘How to live a jellice life’?
Linktr.ee/jellicle – would be so lovely to see you there and share a jellicle hour with you.
Any closing thoughts?
Never vote Conservative.
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