Told by an Idiot is one of the UK’s leading physical theatre companies, is recognized as one of the companies that have redefined the landscape of British theatre. The company is dedicated to modernizing classic works and creating new scripts, masterfully navigating the realms of comedy and tragedy with intricate designs. Its name originates from a famous line in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and was co-founded in 1993 by Hayley Carmichael, Paul Hunter, and John Wright.

Known for their unique creative style, the company excels in blending dark, melancholic themes with elements of comedy and farce, offering audiences an experience that is both entertaining and profound. Their thematic explorations span a wide range, from Alzheimer’s disease to terrorism, combining authentic drama with black humor to craft a distinctive theatrical style.

Often drawing inspiration from real-life scenarios or historical moments, Told by an Idiot creates original, singular productions that transcend merely reproducing reality on stage. Instead, they construct their own theatrical worlds, demonstrating unparalleled creative potential. Their work defies boundaries, showcasing an extraordinary capacity for innovation across a broad spectrum of subject matter.

Theatre Re is one of the UK’s leading visual theatre companies. Their work combines original live music with striking visual performance to create world-class, deeply moving non-verbal productions about universal human challenges and the fragility of life. They engage with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally to create, share, and promote life-changing theatre that is both inventive and accessible through cross-arts and cross-sector collaboration.

An artist-led company based at The Point in Eastleigh, Theatre Re has built a strong 13-year track record: six mid-scale productions, extensive touring in the UK (84 venues in 50 cities) and internationally (17 countries across 3 continents) – including a Broadway transfer, international licensing of their repertoire, and sold-out runs at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Cerventino Festival (Mexico), and the London International Mime Festival.

Their training programme is in high demand across the world, with long-term partners such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Partnerships with community organisations throughout the creation process and while on tour remain central to their work.

Lost Dog is an award-winning dance/theatre company based in rural East Sussex and led by director/choreographer Ben Duke.

Lost Dog aims to create and tour excellent shows widely and well - with consideration for the planet, care for our staff and performers and generosity towards our audiences.

Lost Dog treasures and celebrates the temporary community that is created when people share time, space and air in a theatre - whether that theatre is a village hall or a major metropolitan opera house.

Theatre Ad Infinitum, founded in Bristol, UK, is led by Co-Artistic Directors Nir Paldi and George Mann. Comprising members from diverse cultural backgrounds, the company is dedicated to creating innovative and original theatre for multicultural audiences. Since its inception in 2007, Theatre Ad Infinitum has produced numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning works, including Light, which received the 2015 Stage Award, and Translunar Paradise, which enjoyed sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011 and won the Fringe Review Outstanding Theatre Award.

Not only is the company a multi-award-winning theatre ensemble, but it is also a bold and highly creative pioneer in the performing arts, committed to exploring social and political themes through inventive storytelling and daring experimental styles.

George Mann, a versatile playwright, director, and actor, graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, and trained at the renowned Jacques Lecoq School of Physical Theatre in Paris. In 2008, he led Theatre Ad Infinitum to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the production Behind the Mirror. Subsequently, he participated in the adaptation of Othello, which toured globally and consistently played to sold-out audiences.

Pepa Duarte is a Peruvian actor, theatre maker, and drama teacher. Specializing in physical theatre and improvisation, Pepa’s work combines various theatrical techniques to challenge and engage her audiences. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), she has primarily focused on creating work in London.

In her scriptwriting and collaborative creations, Pepa demonstrates a deep understanding of and passion for text and movement. Her training spans a wide range of disciplines, including acting, playwriting, comedy, physical theatre, yoga, contemporary dance, and vocal performance.

Pepa’s work consistently pushes boundaries, creating unique, immersive, and thought-provoking theatre. Combining narrative, movement, comedy, and sound, her performances often explore themes such as identity, migration, feminism, and belonging, offering audiences a compelling and reflective experience.

Pepa’s debut solo show, Eating Myself, received an OFF Commendation Award and was commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre in London, with additional support from organizations such as the CASA Latin American Theatre Festival.

Vamos Theatre is the UK’s leading mask theatre company. Since its founding in 2006, the company has toured extensively across the UK and internationally, presenting its unique wordless theatre productions. Based in Worcester, Vamos Theatre is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. The company’s signature style combines full-mask performance with striking visual design and original music. Their productions are humorous, deeply human, and bold, rooted in real-life stories. Vamos Theatre believes that full-mask theatre has the power to evoke empathy in audiences in a direct and profound way. Through collaboration, they tell socially relevant stories, creating engaging and entertaining live theatre that gives a voice to those who are often unheard.

Vamos Theatre has established connections with over 100 venues across the UK and beyond, including the London International Mime Festival, Périgueux International Mime Festival in France, Birmingham MAC, and Glastonbury Festival, among other leading contemporary arts venues and festivals. The company tours nationwide each year, sharing its techniques with diverse communities, including schools, care homes, social workers, and business professionals.