My Weekend: Kate loves to get fired up for her circus job

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Kate Mitchell and I am a circus artist who specialises in fire performance, hula hoop, aerial. I am originally from Cork but I’ve been living away for the last few years running a circus school in Derry and put my base back in Cork in June.

I first ran away with the circus in 2013 and have travelled far and wide, from Turkey to Canada, to learn from some amazing teachers. My artistic work has been seen as part of Cork Midsummer Festival, Derry Halloween, and Pitch’d Circus Festival.

I have been involved in productions of varying sizes, including large-scale installations with a Spanish company La Fura dels Baus.

I am currently on tour with Fidget Feet, an aerial dance company delivering intergenerational workshops across Ireland. I am lucky to have a supportive partner who stays at our base which allows me to travel for work. We have an Australian Shepherd cross called Tíre and a cat called Púca.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

I am usually working on Friday nights, but when I can I love to attend shows. It is great to see the work that other people are creating.

Pitch’d Circus Festival has brought so many great shows to the city over the last few years and I’ve really enjoyed attending them when I am not working. Tonight (September 15) I’ll be at Dance Cork Firkin Crane for Pitch’d Circus and Street Arts Festival’s opening show Entre Noeuds, which looks amazing.

Lie-ins or up with the lark ... which is it for you?

I love a good lie-in when I can, but those are few and far between, a lovely coffee in bed with a book is an ideal morning.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

The nature of my work usually means that I work most weekends and have a Monday off, which can be a blessing and a curse. I often miss gigs and shows due to clashing work commitments, but the cinema is usually quieter when I can go.

If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I love going to London for a few days, it’s a great city with loads of shows and things to do. I have some great friends in London, so it is always nice to catch up and I would be bringing my partner Alex with me.

Closer to home, is there some place where you like to head to recharge the batteries?

I love heading to Sligo when I have the chance, it is such a gorgeous part of the country and there is loads to do. Closer to home I love going to Inch Beach in East Cork, I love sea swimming and that is a great beach. I am getting married next year at Inch Hideaway in East Cork, I am excited to have that beautiful space as our background for the day.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

I do when I can, but I am usually working, so it makes it difficult.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

I love to make jewellery when I have the chance, it is a pretty portable hobby. Sea swimming all year round, I think it might be the islander in me, I find the ocean really calming and try to swim at least once a week.

Entertain or be entertained? Do you have a signature dish?

I love to entertain when I have the chance, I love to cook. I think the dish I am best at is a bean and halloumi stew. As a vegetarian for the last three years, I think it is always a winner for everyone.

We have so many places to eat in Cork — where are your go-to spots for coffee/ lunch/ special meal?

Izz Cafe is probably one of my favourite places in the city, the food is amazing and the people working there are wonderful. It is hard to pick though, we have so many great choices.

Sunday night comes around too fast... how do you spend it?

If I am not working, I am chilling out. During the summer, I am usually on the road driving back from a gig.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

Usually, it doesn’t. Monday is my rest day so I try not to organise anything too demanding. A perk of being self-employed.

Kate Mitchell works with Cork’s Circus Factory. For Cork City Culture Night on Friday, September 22, Circus Factory are hosting a number of different Culture Night events, including ‘Rogu Firestorm’ at Marina Market from 9pm-9.30pm — free but booking required — check out culturenight.ie or pick up a brochure.