It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to Niki McCretton the Artistic Director of Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company to find out what shows are happening in 2024.

Hello, tell us all about yourself?

I am Niki McCretton and am the Artistic Director of Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company and also the owner of The Lyric Theatre, Bridport

How was 2023 for you?

We finished creating a new show, where we brought in 9 children to join our creative team to write an adaptation of The Three Little Pigs, so it’s been a really creative year and it feels so good to be on tour again! We have also been able to support some great artists to be in residencies at our Lyric Theatre which feels really good, following the covid gap.

What were the top 3 highlights for you?

A week at the National Theatre Studios for an R&D week.  The National funded the children we are working with in Plymouth and Dorset to have their first trip to London.

Directing a circus production in Sweden with incredible performers, Linn, Hedvig and Karin Broden.

Touring our production of The Little Red Hen to Switzerland, and supporting one of our performers back to work with their 5-month old baby on tour with us!

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

The industry is still struggling, so we learnt that kindness and thoughtfulness as this time are really crucial as everyone, especially technical staff, are working so incredibly hard with tighter than ever resources.

What are your plans for 2024?

The company are working with an orchestra! We are exploring creating a large scale show with a chamber orchestra onstage with us and all our puppets!

We are also working with a school in Manchester to co-design a whole new creative curriculum for the school and partner schools to use.

What other shows are you looking forward to watching this year?

I am really looking forward to seeing the new show from Spymonkey called Hairy.

Also to see Gecko’s Kin again as I know the work is continually evolving which is fascinating.

What styles do you hope to see more of in coming this year?

I love watching dance, physical theatre and puppetry, so I do hope that Mark Bruce Dance Company will be creating something new, as they mix these so beautifully. I also love watching contemporary circus.

What show / actor / actress is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

I would watch out for – Loretta Hope who has played in our shows and was part of really successful shows in Edinburgh this year.  Also Chanti Hobbit, who is a circus performer and director who just created a stunning ensemble piece at Circomedia for her MA final.

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

Yes – take time on tour to eat healthy food and no more service station sandwiches!

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about your troupe?

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/aloadofstuffandnonsense

X/Twitter – @loadofstuff

Instagram – @stuffandnonsensetheatre

LinkedIn – stuffandnonsensetheatrecompany

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Totally stunning performers!

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

I am hoping for the 3^rd series of Snowpiercer to be aired.  I love science fiction

Your favourite book?

I Robot, Asimov

If you could paint anything, what would you paint? 

I would paint future worlds!

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Finn – my dog’s name

Favourite album?

Pink Floyd The Wall

Where would you love to go on holiday this year?

To South Korea

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

That’s a tough one – I am going to say Mrs Doyle from Father Ted with ‘go on, go on go on’ she always makes me laugh

Who is your favourite film character and why?

I love Danny Kaye as Hans Christian Anderson – he made me want to tell stories and makes songs for children.