We chatted to the Artistic Director of Tall Stories about celebrating the company’s 25th Anniversary and bringing Room on the Broom to the West End.
Hi, how does it feel to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tall Stories? It feels exciting and daunting at the same time. What do the next 25 years have in store?
For those who don’t know what is in store to celebrate this anniversary? We have ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ at the Edinburgh Fringe (where Tall Stories started out), ‘Room on the Broom’ in the West End this summer, ‘The Gruffalo’ on tour, and ‘The Canterville Ghost’ coming to Southwark Playhouse this autumn.
What have you enjoyed the most about seeing Tall Stories progress? I’ve loved working with so many creative and brilliant people – especially Olivia Jacobs, my co-founder – and I’ve loved being in theatres around the country and the world watching people of all ages enjoying our shows.
How does it feel to be bringing Room on the Broom to the West End? It’s very exciting to be back in the West End for the first time since Covid – especially with ‘Room on the Broom’, which was nominated for an Olivier Award during one of its previous West End runs.
What would you say makes Tall Stories special to be a part of? Tall Stories feels like a big family. Everyone who’s ever worked with us becomes a company member – and it’s amazing to see people progress and to welcome them back to the company when we can.
What is next in store for the company? We’re still finding ways to make the most of our new home – a beautiful studio space on London’s Holloway Road, which has 80 seats for preview performances and community work. Watch this space!
By Emma Clarendon
Room in the Broom is at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue from 21 July – 4 September. To find out more visit: https://www.tallstories.org.uk/room-on-the-broom