Companies that inspire us
As theatre-makers, we always love watching other theatre companies work. Watching new work gets our creative juices flowing and encourages us to think BIG!
And not only that - we are always interested in learning about their journey and processes they use to develop and grow.
Here are six companies that we are inspired by:
Les Enfants Terribles
Who are they?
Les Enfants Terribles focus on imagination, developing crafty characters and twisted tales to transport you through puppetry, music, movement, magic and more! From Edinburgh to Shanghai, they have toured around the world, collaborating with top creative minds, producing groundbreaking shows and experiences.
What do we find inspiring about them?
A wonderful company - one of the first companies Michelle saw at the Edinburgh Fringe was Les Enfants and it was probably the penny drop moment that inspired her to go drama school. It was certainly the moment where the idea of actor-musicianship was first planted in her brain.
Favourite Production: Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: The Magic Cutlass (Sister Company - Les Petits)
Birmingham Stage Company
Who are they?
The Birmingham Stage Company is one of the world's leading producers of theatre for children and their families. It was founded by Actor/Manager Neal Foster.
What do we find inspiring about them?
The Birmingham Stage Company has grown and developed to be one of the biggest companies producing Children’s Theatre in the UK and internationally. They developed the stage version of Horrible Histories.
Favourite Production: Billionaire Boy
HandleBards
Who are they?
HandleBards are cycling Shakespearean actors who carry all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, performing extremely energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare plays across the UK.
What do we find inspiring about them?
This super cool, quirky company creates some of the most fun theatre we have ever seen. We love their story of four friends who want to make and create theatre and decide to tour the UK on their bikes (mental!) - since then they have grown to employ new teams of brilliant actors and creative teams every year. They are our favourite company that performs Shakespeare, hands down.
Favourite Production: The Tempest (2019)
Tall Stories
Who are they?
Tall Stories brings great stories to life for audiences of all ages. Tall Stories has become internationally recognised for its exciting blend of storytelling theatre, original music and lots of laughs. The company’s unique brand of physical storytelling theatre has toured from Cornwall to Aberdeen and from New York to Sydney.
What do we find inspiring about them?
They develop their roots from producing work at the Edinburgh Fringe and have grown so rapidly over the years. They have produced really well known stories and original work to incredible acclaim.
Favourite Production: Wilde Creatures
Wise Children
Who are they?
Wise Children is the touring theatre company conceived, created and led by Emma Rice.
What do we find inspiring about them?
The playfulness of their productions, the set and original music designs. The combination of music and storytelling in the debut production - Wise Children - was utterly stunning “what a joy it is to dance and sing!”
Favourite Production: Wise Children
Wardrobe Ensemble
Who are they?
The Wardrobe Ensemble are a group of theatre artists who work together to make new plays that dissect the twenty-first century experience. They consist of nine core members, one producer and a constantly growing community of associate artists. They are based in Bristol.
What do we find inspiring about them?
The Wardrobe Ensemble’s energy, originality and (although sounds obvious!) their ensemble nature. They have created some cracking shows for adults and children and always take us on unexpected journeys. Totally wonderful.
Favourite Production: The Great Gatsby
