Flipside Circus student, Ethan Langridge, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age four. Because of this syndrome Ethan perceives the world differently. He understands the world through touch; senses his surroundings with the pads of his fingers or the tips of his toes and he, unwittingly, invited his mother to view his world with him.
Johanna Wharton, Ethan’s mother, described stepping into Ethan’s world as ‘the joy of walking through shafts of colour and light; a dazzling kaleidoscope’. She wrote a book about her experiences with Ethan that inspired the creation of ‘Kaleidoscope’ the show, a work that allows Ethan to express himself, through a physical form he loves, circus. The show journeys through the ups and downs of everyday life and celebrates the unique spirit of Ethan.
‘Sometimes the heart breaks and cracks open because so much love is bursting through’-Ethan
Kaleidoscope is co-produced by Flipside Circus and Company 2
and co-created and directed by Chelsea McGuffin with the ensemble of Company 2, Ethan Landgride and Johanna Wharthon.
Be part of the process
The Cast

Director Chelsea McGuffin
Trained at the Centre for Performing Arts Australia in dance before moving into circus and working with companies including Circus Monoxide, Tony’s Imaginary Circus, Queensland Theatre Company and from 2000-2008 with CIRCA Contemporary Circus. In 2008 Chelsea co-founded Company 2 with David Carberry and since has been dedicated to creating her own work. She creates work which explores her dance back ground and brings circus into this world. She has directed award winning work which has been seen on international stages and festivals around the world. She was a passion for working with young people and is excited to make a work in collaboration with Flipside Circus. Music Design and composer
DAVID CARBERRY
Physical performer, musician, director, creator and co-founder of Company 2, David began learning music at an early age. He studied under Alan Fowler and Janet Turovich and began composing at thirteen. In 1997 he composed and played live for the Flying Fruit Fly Circus show ‘Outburst’. He graduated in 2001 with a Certificate 4 in Music Production and has since composed and produced music for Circa, toured nationally and internationally with ‘Cantina’ as a composer and multi-instrumentalist and produced the full score for Casus production, ‘Finding the Science’.
WRITER AND MOTHER JOANNA WHARTON
An ordinary mum with an extraordinary challenge, my son’s life with Asperger’s Syndrome takes form like a kaleidoscope of constantly changing patterns. Approaching his unique life with an intimate view of beautiful chaos, I documented quirky stories and inspiring insights hoping that one day, people could discover new understanding and a vitality for themselves.
INSPIRATION AND ENSEMBLE ARTIST ETHAN LANGRIDGE WHARTON
At eleven years of age Ethan’s world is a place of wonder, where everything is up for question. Born with Aspergers Syndrome and a hearing impairment Ethan travels through layers of complex dynamics – the near enlightened senses and raw emotions, interwoven like delicate fuses – there within is a person seeking to be satisfied and whole. Possessing eccentric qualities Ethan’s life is one of untameable beauty.
Ensemble Artists
KATE MUNTZ
Started circus at the age of 8 at The Flying Fruit Fly Circus School. Kate graduated after ten years of training and touring. In 2014 she was a member of Flipism which received funding from the Australia Council to work with some of Australia’s leading circus trainers and directors. Most recently she worked with Circa Contemporary Circus in collaboration with Katie Noonan on Love Song Circus and in January 2015 joined the Company 2 ensemble.
SKIP WALKER-MILNE
Born in 1991, growing up amongst the beautiful beaches of Victoria, Australia. From four-years of age, Skip learnt to climb trees and soon after started walking on his hands. He started circus in 2008 and graduated from the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) in 2012 and went on to create and perform in C!RCA’s Beyond from 2013-2015. He joined the Company 2 Scotch & Soda Ensemble in London 2015 and has now become part of the team.
TEISHA HINSCH
Teshia is a graduating student from Flipside Circus. She has been in the circus for only 4 years and have a natural talent of the stage. A unique character on and off the stage with skills on the ground and in the air.
OLIVER FOLEY
Oliver is a young 11 year old Flipside Circus student. He has passion and dedication to create work which is funny and engaging. Always pushing to gain new skills and knowledge and takes the time to teach and let other students in.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The Challenges
Colour me grateful
Thank you so much for your support! In return for your contribution you've won a pass to see Kaleidoscope creative process at Flipside Circus Training Centre on Fri 25th of March at 6.00pm. We’ll send you an invitation and all the event details. Experience the ups and downs of Johanna and her son Ethan’s life with this heart-warming, funny and poetic tail.
Colour me delighted
Your support means the world to us! In return for your contribution you've won a pass to see Kaleidoscope creative process at Flipside Circus Training Centre on Fri 25th of March 6.00pm. PLUS a personal meet and greet with the incredible artists. Watch the artists practice their mind bending, awe inspiring tricks and ask them as many questions as your heart desires.
Colour me ecstatic
We’re incredibly lucky to be supported by such generous people! In exchange for your contribution you won a pass to Kaleidoscope creative process at Flipside Circus Training Centre on Fri 25th of March 6.00pm. PLUS a personal meet and greet with the artists and a ticket to see the performance at the Judith Wright Centre. Come see the finished product, it’s live, free and breath taking!
Colour the sky
Thank for your support! You've won a double pass to see Kaleidoscope creative process at Flipside Circus Training Centre on Fri 25th of March at 6.00pm, a beautiful signed photo from Johanna Wharton’s, a personal meet and greet with the artists, and a double pass to the Season at The Judith Wright Center. You will be our special guests with special treatment for this performance. Experience the ups and downs of Johanna and her son Ethan’s life with this heart-warming, funny and poetic tail.