Ockham’s Razor is a contemporary circus company who combine circus and visual theatre to make work that is arresting and entertaining. We specialise in creating physical theatre on original equipment and create stories from the vulnerability, trust and reliance that exists between physical performers.
Rather than paint the circus performer as a superhuman character capable of impressive feats we make work that draws on the human and the real, where the characters go through recognisable experiences, emotions and conflicts which the audience can relate to. Our shows are exciting and moving and we feel that we’ve achieved our aims when members of the audience have said : “I wanted to come on stage with you”.
The Company was formed in 2004. We met while studying at Circomedia, Academy of Circus Arts and Physical Performance in Bristol. In spring 2006, Turtle Key Arts became our producers.
“Britain’s most innovative aerial theatre group”
Total Theatre
We were the first British company to be funded by Jeunes Talents Cirque (now circusnext). In 2007 we premiered our first full evening programme at the London International Mime Festival, to sell-out audiences.
Since then we have performed in theatres and festivals throughout the UK and the world and have established a reputation for innovative, emotive, accessible performances.
The name Ockham’s Razor comes from a logical principle attributed to the medieval philosopher William of Ockham. It states that between two plausible theories, the simpler is preferable. It is called a razor because it cuts out unnecessary elements. As a company we work with this simple approach.
Trust is at the heart of what we do - we are committed to an inclusive, equitable, supportive working environment - creating the conditions for everyone to thrive. We are part of the Turtle Key Arts Freelancers Manifesto.
Ockham’s Razor are a partner company with The Lowry, Salford and arts depot, North Finchley and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.