Flying Cat Circus stuns students at the UC

By Nikki Johnson
Staff Writer

Students got to enjoy the absolute insanity of one of the hottest freak shows on the college circuit on Oct 20.

The Flying Cat Circus, a two-person variety act, showcased some very unusual tricks and talents in the UC.

From sticking an apple in a student’s mouth then cutting into it with a chainsaw, to lying down in broken glass and having an audience member step on their face, it was definitely a night to remember.

Though some students might not be so impressed anymore by all the dangerous fire stunts and broken glass bits that have come through UNCP, people were impressed with the two daredevils, Kevin Lepine and Thom Britain themselves. Adorned with a barrage of jokes and a healthy dose of cuss words, most students were reminded of their favorite comedians.

“I liked the fact that they weren’t trying to be funny just to please us; they just did their stunts and made the audience laugh at the same time,” junior Ivory Bouknight said. “The guy in the long coat and hat reminded me of that dude who smashes watermelons.”

Lepine became interested in the sideshow style of performing when he was younger, and as he got older wanted to add in comedy to his circus style shows.

Britain, who is originally from New Orleans, always wanted to develop his curiosity for the world of ‘freak shows.’

“I do it to tick my mom off,” Britain said. “Really, I just wanted to start doing something grotesque and completely mad that you don’t see a lot of these days. This style of performing is so interesting and we are one of the few groups in the college circuit that do it.”