CURIOUS CARGO - Key Persons
Julian performs with the company as one of our 'Lost Luggage Porters' and as Professor Fitzsimmons in 'The Temperance Society' and as a 'Sprite' puppeteer.. In 2007 Julian co-devised and performed in a Curious Cargo strolling show commissioned by Manchester Art Gallery and based on Ford Maddox Brown's painting 'Work'. Julian co-wrote and performed a number of 'character monologues' which were featured on the MAG Bafta nominated website, which accompanied the 'Art Treasures' exhibition. Julian has a Doctorate in Philosophy, an MA in illustration, has trained as a massage therapist, and is a senior lecturer in Performing Arts at Chester University.
One of the founding members of Curious Cargo, Peppy is both a performer in The Lost Luggage Porters, Lollipop Patrol & The Temperance Society) and a workshop leader. Peppy also works as a freelancer delivering residencies, training and speaking at conferences nationwide and internationally. She is a specialist in dance and movement (with particular interest & expertise in early years and disability arts), and has an MA in Creativity and Education for the Professions. She is also a Therapeutic Play Practitioner.
Ric is a performer with the Curious Cargo and has undertaken various roles including that of a Lollipop Lady, Lost Luggage Porter, a 'Sprite' puppeteer, and as part of The Temperance Society. Ric also tours internationally with his own company 'Granny Turismo', and performs with a range of other street theatre companies, including Larkin'About & JagoJA Productions.
Tess founded the company in 2004 and is the director & lead artist. She is a physical performer/puppeteer/mask performer and a visual artist/designer/maker. As a project manager, community artist and trainer Tess has over 25 years' experience of devising and delivering arts-based projects throughout the UK & Australia; working with all client groups and age groups, in educational, community and corporate settings. Tess is qualified as an Artist Facilitator (NOCN accredited), and develops Arts Based Training programmes to explore and address a range of business issues and needs in the corporate sector. Tess has performed with, (and on occasion still performs with), a number of other companies including: Granny Turismo, Larkin' About, Thingumajig Theatre Company, Mark Mark Productions, Horse & Bamboo Theatre Company, Pif Paf Arts, Walk the Plank, Aqueous Humour Street Theatre Company & Paper Cut Total Theatre Company. Pre-Curious Cargo Tess trained as a set designer for film and television and consequently worked making and painting scenery & props in various theatres & workshops across the country. Her work in TV & film included contracts at Granada & Central TV, working on productions such as Spitting Image as Assistant Art Director. Whilst in Australia Tess worked at John Cox's Creature Workshop making puppets for 'Pitch Black' & 'Komodo'. Tess is also qualified as a teacher and has taught at FE and university entry levels, and has passed her Level 1 in British Sign Language.
Thea performs as part of 'The Lollipop Patrol' and 'The Temperance Society' with Curious Cargo. Multi-talented Thea has worked as a performer, workshop leader, community artist & director for over 20 years now, and has an MA in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response. Thea has worked on a number of international projects in post conflict and developing countries, she is also a role play actor for Manchester & Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, and performs with Thingumajig Theatre Company in their street theatre shows.