Tom Bell started Reckless Invention at drama school in Manchester after a career with Artizani performing walkabouts. The name Reckless Invention came from an American paper documenting the history of flying trapeze in the 19th century.

‘A Reckless Era of Invention’ spoke about how acts were developed in the early days of circus without the knowledge we have now. More specifically, without the safety we have now. Anarchy has always been an essential part of creation as has risk.

During our devising process we seek out the most current directors and clowns to stay true to that spirit of anarchy and individualism, for both our walkabouts and our shows.

“I have always performed on the street…” says Artistic Director Tom Bell.

Tom spent his growing up years skateboarding, breakdancing, graffitiing and eventually running a pirate radio station. “The street is where normal people have to perform, it’s all they have.”

Swimming pools become skateparks, trains become billboards and the airwaves become alive with music you can’t hear on mainstream radio.

“I like the fact that people transform their environment. I like it so much, I decided to train professionaly so I could make it my career.”