As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re looking back on the people that have shaped NIE over the last quarter of a century.

To mark this special birthday, catching up with our ensemble — old and new — asking three quick-fire questions about what people remember most about their time with the company.

When did you first work with NIE?

First time I worked with NIE was in Nov 2011

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

Tales from a Sea Journey was always my favourite show. It was the first time I experienced how different a theatre process could be. I had to board a container ship in Le Havre and sail across the Atlantic to Guadelupe, where we each (8 people) had 3 stories about the sea.

They were told during the sailing as a prelude to the material – We would later use for the performance.

It was in itself so different, and in no way comparable to any other work I had previously done.

It was so wild!

So transboundary!

It was fantastic!!!!!

The way of working in NIE has had a great impact on my future theatre work, and I found friends/ family for the rest of my life. The time in NIE will forever live in my heart.

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

Sailing across the Atlantic!

 

When did you first work with NIE?

I think it was 2010

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

Beauty and the Beast. I was very happy with the score, it was great to be able to work with such talented musicians. It was a great cast and a lot of fun to make

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

It’s a very close tie between Corby and New York but I think New York just pips it to the post 😀

 

When did you first work with NIE?

Following many years of enjoying shows with my young family, my connection with NIE deepened in the summer of 2024 when I was appointed as a Trustee and took on the role of Chair of the Board. Stepping into that position felt like joining a community with a long and inspiring history of international collaboration and artistic curiosity. What immediately stood out to me was the care, creativity and commitment that runs through the organisation – a sense that the work is always about building bridges between people, cultures and ideas.

 

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

My favourite has to be The Snow Queen. I first experienced it virtually during the Covid period, when so much of the world – including theatre – was forced online. Even through a screen, the beauty and imagination of the production really came through. Later, seeing it live and “in the flesh” was a completely different and magical experience. It reminded me of the unique power of theatre to create wonder and connection in a shared space.

 

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

One of the most memorable experiences for me was visiting Ramsey Primary School as part of the Legends of the Fens project.  There was something very special about seeing the work in that setting – and in the yurt in the pouring rain! – theatre meeting local stories and communities, and so important to young people, in such a direct way.  Moments like that capture what makes NIE distinctive: work that travels, connects, and brings stories to life in places where they resonate deeply with the people participating.

Being part of NIE now, particularly at this moment as it celebrates 25 years, feels like being part of an ongoing story – one built on collaboration, imagination and the belief that theatre can bring people together.