“Children’s theatre that tackles a difficult subject with admirable ambition.”
*** The Stage

“The use of visual metaphor throughout the show is particularly refreshing in the world of children’s theatre”
*** The Stage

“Emotionally vivid and truthful, it’s very moving but also very funny.”
Children’s Theatre Reviews

“[Butterflies is] rooted in an authenticity that goes beyond emotional clichés to really tug at something deeper…. The idea that mental health issues are a purely intangible figment of psychology is dispelled; Butterflies shows there is a palpable, painful physical reality to it.”
Children’s Theatre Reviews

“Once again, Tangled Feet and Half Moon are creating important issue-based work for young people… Butterflies shines a light on the challenging circumstances many young people are living in.”
Children’s Theatre Reviews

“Seeing Butterflies 20 years ago would have been a truly transformative experience, though watching it now is powerful enough. Ultimately, however, this show is for everyone…speaking compassionately to those who suffer, and showing ways to be supportive for those who don’t.”
Children’s Theatre Reviews

“We just caught Butterflies – it was honest, complex and beautiful. The experience of those difficult feelings is the same whatever age you are.”
The Herd Theatre

“Butterflies was received brilliantly. Teachers, parents and children commented on the high production level and were particularly impressed with the atmosphere created by the performers, lighting, and use of physical theatre. It was particularly interesting to see that the children were connected throughout. This play dealt with anxiety in a sensitive and kind way.”
Nursery and Primary School Teacher, London

“Totally wonderful. It really expressed exactly what my daughter has been feeling, thank you.”
Audience Member

“Such an important subject to introduce to children and it was done beautifully.”
Audience Member

“Very thought-provoking show. My three-and-a-half-year-old was mesmerised. Thank you.”
Audience Member

“Brilliant work! The kids loved it and I (mum) got emotional – well done!”
Audience Member

“This was a wonderful emotional show. My daughter really went through all the journeys with you. My heart is still processing it all. You all did a great job.”
Audience Member

“Nearly six year-old thought it was “great”; nearly three year-old was utterly transfixed and burst into tears when it was over.”
Audience Member

“Wonderful! My three year-old was very transfixed by it and understood it well. Thank you very much.”
Audience Member

Tell us a little about Butterflies. What’s the show about?

Butterflies is all about setting out on a journey into the unknown where, with friendship and bravery, you can take on all that life throws at you. It’s a thought provoking story that discusses how we learn to accept the butterflies in our tummies as part of life. Through friendship, play and understanding what’s happening inside of us, we can live alongside our nerves and be happy.

What can audiences look forward to?

Adventure. Drama. A great set! The staging transforms in a magical way – at one point we are at sea, then dangling on a rope bridge, then lost in a forest, then climbing a mountain and more. It is inspired by magical, yet realistic play (making landscapes through imaginations), that we see children enjoy all the time.

What was the inspiration for the production?

At the very start of the creation of Butterflies we worked with a group of young teenagers, aged 12-14, who do not attend school due to anxiety. Although these ‘creative consultants’ weren’t from the target audience age range for Butterflies, they helped us understand how their anxiety started, what the shape and feel of it was and what their coping mechanisms were.

We spent our time with them discussing images, metaphors and poetry surrounding anxiety in a bid to help connect our creativity to their reality. They helped us find some key images in the show, some of the coping methods our characters use, and also the title for the production.

Why do the issues in Butterflies particularly resonate with you?

Anxiety is everywhere in our society and we all feel it. One of the central concepts of the show is the characters have a ‘feeling’ in their tummy and not knowing how to describe it or how to make it go away. This ‘feeling’ is one we can all identify with and is how I used to describe my nerves to my parents when I was young. At Tangled Feet we work with hundreds of young people each year and I am often struck with how much stress and anxiety they have to carry with them – both politically, globally and personally. Butterflies is an attempt to shine a light on some of those feelings of worry and normalise them a bit.

What was the process of creating Butterflies?

Lots of experiments and trying movement, text and use of set ideas to see if we can communicate a theme to the audience. We often mix use of set with a movement idea and music to see what feeling we create. We make lots of work that doesn’t end up in the show but helps us find our way. We are looking for things that feel authentic and entertaining.

The production features some exciting physicality. How did this come about?

As a director, I always had a sense that there was as strong physical language in the world of anxiety. A lot of the way it’s experienced is a physical or bodily reaction – breathlessness, dizziness, foggy mind, sweating, wobbling, missing a step – it all suits a physical language. I also thought that a physical world would help explain and unlock the anxiety feelings for a younger audience.

Do you have personal connections to any of the areas/venues that the show is touring to?

Tangled Feet moved their base of operations to Luton in 2017, so performing at the Library Theatre in October feels really exciting, as does being back at Half Moon for the start of the tour. A lot of Tangled Feet are from the West Country, so visiting Bath will be brilliant and our performers are from St Albans, Manchester and East London, so getting to all those places is great for them. Personally, I am a Trustee at The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre in Havant, so am pleased to visit Havant.

What would you like audiences to take with them after seeing the show?

A sense that they’d been on a big adventure and seen acts of bravery, creativity and examples of friendship. Some reference points for talking about anxiety with young people and how it’s a completely normal part of life.

Describe Butterflies in three words.

Beautiful, meaningful and exhilarating

What inspired your career? What advice would you give to young people hoping to follow in your footsteps?

I enjoyed the creative process at school – creating plays, creating an ensemble of performers and sharing stories with an audience. In terms of advice, I think you need to look at it as a marathon not a sprint – seeds you sow now could grow into wonderful collaborations or ideas. Collaborate, be kind and ask questions.