Blog

We are so very sad to hear of the sudden and early passing of Chris Patfield. Chris was a brilliant and distinctive artist, I knew him as a juggler, but he was also a wire walker whose work demonstrated both precision and playfulness. I had the pleasure of working with him alongside NoFit State Circus and Gandini Juggling in my time at the National Theatre.

At Jacksons Lane, we had the privilege of supporting and presenting Chris at different points in his journey; we supported the development of Gibbon, his duo with José Triguero. He was also part of the premiere of Meta with Gandini Juggling, with whom he worked so often. Chris also appeared on our stage as part of Canvas, sharing early ideas with audiences and in Mish Weaver’s Box of Frogs.

Sean Gandini wrote beautifully about Chris this week, describing him as “one of the most prolific juggling makers I ever met” someone who “never needed to validate his endless creativity… crafting away instead… for the pleasure of discovery”.

We know his impact reaches far beyond Jacksons Lane, across the UK and international circus community. Our thoughts are with his partner Francesca, their daughter Gea, and with all of his friends, family and collaborators at this sad time.

Personally, I keep thinking about standing outside in numerous outdoor settings watching Chris perform over the years; not least watching him and Francesca rip off their clothes at the end of the Gandinis’ 8 Songs or seeing him and José boldly juggling in a downpour in Penrith.

He brought a huge amount of joy to the sector through his work and the way he was with people. We were lucky to have him in our spaces and to witness what he made. He will be greatly missed.

Written by our Creative Director & Joint CEO Angus MacKechnie