Book editor turned trapeze artist Anna O’Loughlin tells KATHERINE MACALISTER why she’s so excited about her part in Creation Theatre’s
panto Aladdin

Creation is back with a vengeance this year and ready to tantalise you with their panto rendition of Aladdin at the North Wall. On hand, to provide some of the more daring special effects is Anna O’Loughlin, resident aerialist, and the Jinnee of the Magic Ring who will stun you with her exciting feats.

“The ring genie is there to help Aladdin – and she’s such a lovely, bubbly, exuberant character and so excitable, and I really want to show how boisterous and dynamic she is thorough my aerial work and my physicality, which can be challenging when hanging five meters up in the air,” she says laughing.

But having been practicing for months on end, Anna can’t wait for the fun to kick off. “I want to make sure I engage all the children who come to see it, so I’m excited and nervous at the same time, but it’s all coming together so I’m really pleased.

“And it’s fun to be part of an ensemble rather than choreographing a solo act which can be quite a solitary process,” she says.

Because Anna is the story behind the story. Having trained as a publisher she was a full-time book editor in Bristol when she started taking circus skills evening classes and discovered an overwhelming love of the trapeze, taking it up professionally six months later.

“I completely fell in love with it as soon as I started, and haven’t looked back since,” she says happily. “I took to it really naturally and am passionate about learning, so trained really hard at my circus skills. So I would go to work from 9-5 and then go to evening classes afterwards.”

So what did her bosses say when she resigned? “They were quite surprised because I worked hard and was quite quiet and diligent, and loved editing and reading. “But there was something magical in what I discovered about movement and aerial work. I was very taken with it,” she says unnecessarily, “and I couldn’t let it go. “But they are delighted for me and I think they are coming to see the show.”

Having launched her own solo trapeze act to start with, “a very different creative process,” meant Anna, 27, was the perfect choice for the aerialist slot in Creation’s Aladdin: “This is the first time I’ve incorporated my skills into a performance show, so this is a new experience for me,” she says.

And what of the danger element? “I wouldn’t do anything that put me in danger. I just need to trust my body and muscle memory and stay in tune with myself, so I feel safe,” she explains.

“And it’s amazing to be able to incorporate my aerial skills in this way, as well as acting and dancing, so it’s a great role.”

Anna has also fallen in love with Oxford in the meantime: “It’s such a nice place to be, a really majestic place, and it’s wonderful working with such positive people, but the main thing is that I really want to inspire the children because Aladdin is a really great show.”

Creation Theatre’s Aladdin and the Magical Lamp will take place from today until January 5 at The North Wall, South Parade, Oxford.

Call 01865 766266 or at see creationtheatre.co.uk