There are only a couple of weeks left to catch the incredible Free Run at E4 Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre. As the free running craze continues to sweep across the UK, even the most unlikely people seem to have caught the parkour bug.
Check out BBC New’s Evan Davis as he* leaps across the BBC Television Centre roof!
Do you have a nickname? My name is Matthew, but I prefer Mat.
How old were you when you first did a back flip?
I first did a backflip when I was 14.
What’s your favourite move and can you explain what it is to us?
My favourite move is a Standing Back 360. It’s essentially a backwards somersault with a twist from a stationary position, with no prep or set up to help assist the move.
When and how did you become involved in 3RUN? I was in the Armed Forces back in 2010 and was based 20 miles south from Basingstoke. I already knew the guys from previous visits so I was there training 4 or 5 times a week, that’s how I came to be part of the 3RUN Family.
What do you do to prepare for the show?
I personally like to go for a 5-10 minute jog up and down Southbank, there are a few spots along the way that I usually stop off at and have a little play!
What do you like to do when you are not performing?
There’s nothing better than getting back after an amazing performance, sitting down with nice hot cup of green tea with lemon & honey and watching series after series of the IT Crowd!
If you had a super power, what would it be?
If I had the choice of super powers I would definitely choose the ability to fly! Everyone’s had a flying dream in their life, and to be able glide through the clouds and fly to wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted would be the ultimate freedom.
Who is your favourite super hero?
Batman is my favourite super hero because he has developed his mind and body to a level where he can appear to have supernatural powers, yet remains 100% human.
Where is your favourite place to hang out in London?
The Udderbelly Pasture of course!
What type of music do you like listening to?
I like a lot of easy listening songs, I’m a big fan of Frank Sinatra and also The Cinematic Orchestra, they’ve got some really nice relaxing songs.
What is your favourite food at the Udderbelly Festival?
Me and the 3RUN boys like our chicken, especially going to Nando’s, so any chance to grab a chicken burger from the Laughing Stock here at Udderbelly will be snapped up!
What would you do if you were a cow for the day?
Stand up in the rain.
Who is the loudest out of all of you? Haha, we’re all pretty loud but I think when I get going I can definitely be heard amongst the guys!
Who is the messiest?
Scott is definitely the messiest, no matter how many times you tell him to keep the chalk in the bag, when he’s powdering his hands, he still gets the chalk everywhere!
What’s next for you after the Udderbelly Festival? Who knows what 3RUN have got on the horizon, we’ll just have to wait and see!
Finally, have you got any tips for someone who wanted to start Freerunning?
Yes, of course! People who are wanting to start training or making either parkour or free running a hobby should just start off slow, don’t think in the first few weeks you should be jumping off massive buildings or doing daft jumps that clearly you’re not ready for. Take it slow, find your feet, become confident in knowing your body’s capability and then gradually progress, whether it be at a gymnastics gym, parkour park, or out around the city.
Check out Mat’s brilliant training showreel below:
And don’t believe that a Standing Back 360 is possible? Mat shows you how:
Spectacular free-running group 3Run are preparing for the world premiere of Free Run, headling E4 Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre this year. Here’s a sneak peak behind the scenes!
Dance Community | Southbank Centre 