Resident at the Lyric, Stuff and Nonsense (a charity) is one of the UK’s leading touring companies making inspiring theatre for families, and are based here at the Lyric. Led by Artistic Director Niki McCretton (owner of the Lyric) they work with children, families, artists and theatres across the globe to make memorable and rewarding shows, sharing the power of great imagination.
They are passionate about children’s creativity and place it at the heart of what they do. They work with incredible artists to make outstanding theatre that excites children and enables adults to become seriously playful. Founded in 2000, Stuff and Nonsense has since been at the forefront of family theatre, leading the way in energetic, thought-provoking and playfully mischievous productions, full of fantastic puppetry and physical action.
With several original productions in their repertoire, their contemporary take on well-known tales including The Gingerbread Man, The Enormous Turnip, The Elves and The Shoemaker, 3 Little Pigs and The Emperor’s New Clothes has enabled them to become one of the UK’s most popular and highly regarded family theatre companies.
They have performed to over 300,000 people nationwide since 2010 with return visits to many venues including Theatre Royal Plymouth, New Wolsey Theatre, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil and many others. They are very popular at Christmas and often present several productions across the UK at once! At the time of writing (August 2021) they are currently working with Theatre Royal Plymouth as co-producers and in partnership with Lighthouse Poole to premiere their new adaptation of Pinocchio in October. Their productions have received grants from Arts Council England, Bacstage Trust, The Ragdoll Foundation and their patron, like the Lyric, is Chris Chibnall of Dr Who and Broadchurch fame.
Based at the Lyric Theatre, Stuff and Nonsense is an @HOME Artist at The Point Eastleigh.
When creating productions, they bring a team of vibrant and talented professionals to the building for rehearsals using puppets, music and very physical performers. They are often inviting families and children into their rehearsal room as co-creators of the work and also invite students from local schools who want to go into the performing arts into dress rehearsals and to meet professional actors, technicians and designers. Holly Miller is the puppet maker and designer who also has a workshop upstairs in the Lyric. Their shows are too big to present at the Lyric but you can see them at Lighthouse Poole, the Electric Palace Bridport and The Octagon Theatre.
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