I had a very lovely interview with the talented Mr Linus Karp, writer, producer and actor in a comedic parody of the movie Cats, How to Live a Jellicle Life, currently touring the country (linktr.ee/jellicle).
First up I wanted to know what exactly was a ‘jellicle life’.
In the film it is never actually specified but jellicle cats can do everything, they can fly through the air, somersault, bounce, anything positive and that is what the show is about, being funny and positive. Come along for jellicle laughs, jellicle ‘dance’ (sort of) and jellicle PowerPoint (yes, really)
So who is the show aimed at?
Originally it was thought it would appeal to a younger audience who would appreciate memes and cultural references. But it seems lots of older people love it as well. I wrote the show on the basis that it would be something I wanted to see. It turns out a lot of people do as well.
Do we need to have seen the film? Are you advocating masochism?
LOL No you don’t need to have seen the film although if you have it is even better. Either way you will get life lessons from the 2019 film.
I saw the film for the first time last week and, I have to say, it is nowhere near as bad as some people say.
It is one of those films that you either love or hate for some reason. It was a critical flop but is rapidly becoming a cult movie.
Have your parents seen the show?
Not live but they watched an early streamed version. They live in Sweden so getting over to visit is problematic at the moment. They are hoping to get over for the end of the tour (11 March in London so far).
Which leads me on to the next question. Why are you streaming it?
It is exactly for those who can’t get to a live version for whatever reason. There are still a lot of people who don’t feel safe going into a crowded venue or are isolating. This gives them a chance to see the show and have a good laugh
Why is your production company called Awkward Productions?
First up I love the word awkward. It is a funny word and sums me up. I am awkward but, like being different, being awkward is something to embrace. Being a foreigner in a foreign country (Linus is Swedish) adds to that. (But his accent does give a delicious diction to the way he talks and seeing awkward on stage can be very funny.) It all comes back to being Jellicle, being positive.
Is it true you can buy a Jellicle Hoodie?
Yes. We first made a few as a promotional thing and a company picked up on the idea and they are on sale now in a variety of colours (linktr.ee/jellicle)
If you were to be turned into a cat for the day what would you want your super power to be? A) Being able to fall from a great height safely or B) Being able to lick your own bum?
LOL I think I would have to go with option A
And a final question. As the Guardian has picked up on, are there too many penis jokes?
Can there ever be too many penis jokes? Actually I don’t think there are that many penis jokes in the show. But you will have to come along and see for yourself.
I certainly will.
How To Live A Jellicle Life is like catnip. Irresistable.
How To Live A Jellicle Life is touring nationwide and spends two nights at Upstairs at The Globe in Leicester on 16/17th February 2022 as part of The Leicester Comedy Festival. Limited tickets available at linktr.ee/jellicle
