The Knotted Project

The Knotted Project is a socially driven theatre company working with and for young people. Central to their work is co-creation, collaborating closely with the community ensuring a high level of ownership and reflecting real experiences and authentic voices. Directors Simon and Natalie both have vast experience as advisors and producers, supporting the development of socially engaged projects.

Ragtag Arts

Ragtag Arts is a community arts organisation in Kendal, committed to promoting and facilitating sustainable actions, with a focus on reducing and reusing waste.

From running the community scrapstore and working in partnership with sustainable providers, with an extensive workshop program in schools and at events and festivals.

Equal opportunities and accessibility is a key part of their organisation. Aiming to be inclusive, supporting and empowering people of all ages and abilities.

Andrew Kim

Andrew Kim (Puppet and Mask Maker, Performer and Director) has created and performed puppet and mask plays, parades and events for over 30 years. He is the co director of Thingumajig Theatre and founder and former Artistic Director of the Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade and the Todmorden Lamplighter Festival.

Andrew started with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis where he spent 10 years learning all elements of making, performing and directing puppet plays, parades and large-scale spectacles.

He also teaches giant puppet and lantern puppet workshops where he builds one or two new giants with up to a dozen artists in two weeks.

Becca Ellson

Becca has 30 years experience in production and development across UK film and TV, with over 30 screen credits, including multiple BAFTA, Academy Award and Cannes nominated shorts and features.  She has a history of championing diversity through BFI funded talent schemes such as BFI Shorts and Guiding Lights. . 

Becca has been a Screenwriting and Film Production tutor in FE and HE, as well as leading courses and workshops for adults of all abilities. She has been a Creative Learning manager, a Youth Music Project Manager and a development consultant across artforms in collaborations with artists such as Sarah Nicholls and Amy Williams. Becca is now based in Cumbria where her production and development company Hearts & Bones nurtures a select roster of artists, musicians, writers and events.

Emily Hennessey

Emily is a dynamic performance storyteller often found wielding a stick and stamping her feet as she embraces epics, myths, wondertales and folktales from across the world. 

Emily has performed in theatres, arts centres and at festivals from Iceland to India, and closer to home at the Southbank Centre, Soho Theatre and British Museum. She lives in the Lake District with her husband, storyteller and musician, Nick Hennesssey. Together they run Stealing Thunder and host the Sterling Thunder Story Telling Festival .

Mentors, Advisors and Tutors