Damian Gordon & Irene Goed
Irene Goed is a circus artist whose creative journey in the circus world began with juggling, stilt walking and fire dancing. This eventually led her to specialise in aerial arts, with a particular love for the swinging trapeze. Irene shares her passion by teaching juggling, aerials, and more, to the local community.
Creativity, for Irene, is an essential part of life, not just in the circus but in everything she does. It’s the driving force that keeps her work interesting and fulfilling. She believes in the power of creativity to transform even the simplest skills into something extraordinary, ensuring that each performance or project is not just about technical prowess but also about the whole creative process. This includes designing costumes, making props and bringing ideas to life in a holistic and hands-on way.
“Creativity is definitely needed to make life interesting. It’s not just about the circus but about creating something from perhaps limited skills and making it presentable and engaging.” – Irene Goed
One of Irene’s greatest joys comes from her teaching, where she encourages students to explore and innovate. She loves watching them repurpose props, create games, and invent stories, turning each class into a unique experience. This free-range approach fosters an environment where creativity thrives, making circus arts accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For Irene, the beauty of circus lies in its inclusivity and the endless possibilities for creative expression.
Damian Gordon is a circus performer with a career spanning over 30 years, specialising in juggling, clowning, and acrobatics. His passion for the circus arts culminated in the creation of “Circus All Terror,” a tented touring show that showcased his talents alongside a crew of performers, delivering around 100 shows annually over 26 weeks.
For Damian, creativity is the lifeblood of his practice, keeping him grounded, fresh and motivated. He emphasises the importance of infusing his performances with character and personal flair, which distinguishes his acts from mere skills-based routines. This approach allows him to stay engaged and continuously evolve his craft, ensuring that each performance is as exciting and innovative as the last.
“Creativity keeps me interested in ideas, making something out of nothing. It’s not just about performing skills but about putting a bit of self into it and making it unique.” – Damian Gordon
One of Damian’s most fulfilling creative experiences was bringing a long-held idea to life—a more adult-oriented clown character he had envisioned for years. After years of performing in traditional circus settings, he finally got the opportunity to develop this character for an adult show, blending 15 years of ideas into a performance that he thoroughly enjoyed. This experience exemplified his belief in the power of creativity to transform ideas into something tangible and impactful, cementing his passion for the circus arts.
Based in Raglan, they are a dynamic circus duo, with her specialising in aerial arts and him bringing over 30 years of experience in juggling and clowning. Together, they inspire creativity in their performances and teaching, encouraging others to explore the limitless possibilities of the circus.