Free Runner Sam Parham

Taking to the stage in the UK’s first-ever free running stage show, Sam Parham will be headlining the E4 Udderbelly Festival at the Southbank Centre this summer in the world premiere of Free Run.

Delivering an explosive performance of free running, parkour, urban acrobatics and martial arts, Parham will be joined onstage by his performance team 3RUN colleagues and fellow Guinness World Record holders Mat and Cane Armitage, Shaun Andrews and Mike Wilson.

I caught up with headliner Parham to find out his thoughts on the festival.

Tell us about Free Run.

‘It combines elements of parkour, free running and martial arts in a unique experience that evolves and unfolds all around the audience in a 360-degree viewing fashion. It offers beautiful video projection and a creative approach to displaying parkour and free running.’

How did you get involved with the show?

‘3RUN have been practicing parkour and free running for ten years now. Having developed a strong name in our field, we have always enjoyed performing for live audiences and have been blessed with opportunities for corporate clients and organisations. With a large viewing base of our videos online, we often found ourselves being asked when people could watch one of our shows. It made sense to look at exploring our own public live show. After discussions with Udderbelly, it was clear that these were the best people to collaborate with in order to make that a reality, and ensure it was done right.’

Have you found it difficult turning free running into a stage show?

‘We were determined to conquer any reservations we had. But with a creative team, fantastic director and enthusiastic production support, we have been able to approach this in a creative fashion that ensures it is not just another gymnastic stage display. We have created a set that allows us to perform a vast variety of movements that we would normally only do in an urban environment.’

How did you start free running?

‘We were always inspired by Jackie Chan as children and met up as a group to learn his moves. From there we began to teach ourselves. About this time, parkour came to light as an art in the UK, and we began to incorporate this philosophy and discipline. I think it naturally appealed to us as humans who are just seeking freedom – the freedom of the mind and movement. There are no limits, no boundaries and no rules.’

With 15 Guinness World Records and numerous TV and film appearances between you, what do you and your 3RUN colleagues count as your greatest achievement?

‘We have so much to be thankful for and we truly are. Some of our most rewarding experiences come from things like coaching workshops, introducing others to our art and providing inspiration for people.’

Are you enjoying the E4 Udderbelly Festival?

‘Incredibly so. It is such an incredible feeling to perform to people. The festival as a whole is just so unique and fun it is an honor to be a part of it.’

Where do you go to feel inspired?

‘There is so much talent to find inspiration in. It is all around us when we just open our eyes and ears and let it in.

‘Most of us live in Basingstoke and we commute into London. There is a lot of fun to hang about in and always a nice atmosphere around – not to mention lots of areas for us to train on.’

If you had one day left in London, where would you spend it?

‘We actually find ourselves just spending spare time at the Udderbelly now, even if we don’t have shows on. It just has a beautiful atmosphere.’

Where’s your favourite place to eat in London?

‘Nando’s, no question.’

Free Run runs until July 17, 2011.

E4 Udderbelly at Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
South Bank
Waterloo
SE1 8XX

Image by Alex Lentati