As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’ve been catching up with some of the people who have helped shape NIE over the past quarter of a century – bringing together memories from across our ensemble.

We’ve asked each person three quick-fire questions about their time with the company. This article features performers who you may recognise from recent UK productions – or who you might spot in future tours…Watch this space…

When did you first work with NIE? 

In 2017 at the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol in Beauty and the Beast.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

Ooo that is a toughy. I’ve had so many magical times with NIE. I think my first visit with them to NY with Beauty and the Beast has to be up there. It was my first foray into playing a villain and I have to say… I surprised myself with how naturally it came to me 😉 I’ve since played 2 evil witches for NIE and loved every minute. Maybe I should get some counselling.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

Oh gosh… definitely Lofoten in the fjords of Norway. It is stunningly beautiful up there, I couldn’t quite believe where I was. Crystal waters… snow-capped mountains… and all alongside performing a very silly show! Magic.

When did you first work with NIE? 

 I first worked for NIE in 2018 performing in Snow White.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

Snow Queen is my favourite NIE project because of how magical the music is, it was really enjoyable and wacky playing the Ogres and there were a lot of great characters in the show. It was also fun having to pull the sleigh 🙂 .

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

New York is the most memorable place I’ve been with NIE.

When did you first work with NIE? 

When did you first work with NIE? 

That was in the collaboration between Branar and NIE in the show that would be known as Grand Soft Day. It started out as an R&D week in Galway. It was so exciting being in a new country and creating a professional show for the first time.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

I think I will always have a soft spot for Grand Soft Day, the creative team and cast members were an amazing bunch to work with for my first professional show. I’ve travelled to New York, Brighton, Belfast, Dublin and other cities in Ireland with the show. It’s felt like the show has been part of my growing up as a professional.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

I think it’s a close tie between New York and Galway. The gigantic skyscraper buildings, bagels, art galleries and jazz. Galway’s Claddagh port, oysters, pint of Guinness and a beautiful coastline.

When did you first work with NIE? 

I first worked for NIE in 2018 when we made Snow White together. It was my first major show as a composer and it really opened my eyes to the joy and creative fulfilment that composing music for shows brings me. I have since gone on to compose music for lots of other shows with different companies but NIE gave me to confidence and space to spread my wings in this area and I loved it.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why? 

I think my favourite is The Snow Queen. The journey that show went on was incredible. From starting out as a film during lockdown to becoming two different stage shows at the Cambridge Junction and then finally the Tobacco Factory. The whole journey spanned over 3 years and I was particularly proud of the music for that piece.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE? 

Well I think it will have to be New York City with Snow White! Working in the heart of Broadway was a pinch me moment and the whole experience was utterly brilliant from start to finish. Almost felt like a dream!

Happy 25th anniversary and congratulations on reaching such a milestone as a company. So well deserved. The loyalty, community ethos and creative flare that comes with working for NIE is infectious and I’m very grateful for being a recent part of that 25 year journey.