Who we are
Photo by Mark Douet
fingersmiths creates theatre with a multi-layered approach to language and physical expression. Our style has been described as ‘High Definition Theatre’
We present popular plays from the 20th Century, performed by Deaf and hearing actors using British Sign Language and spoken English creating accessible theatre of the highest quality that engages with all audiences. Our shows tour nationally to small and middle scale venues.
fingersmiths is proud to be an Associate Company at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.
A short video giving a taste of what we do.
Our people
Jeni Draper
Artistic Director
Our Artistic Director Jeni’s working practice as a sign language interpreter influences her directing. Her desire to reflect how Deaf and hearing people really communicate with each other is in all the plays she directs. BSL is central in all her productions, with Deaf actors cast alongside hearing actors, with each show performed in BSL and spoken English.
Jeni offers audiences different ways to engage with the story. Sometimes by double casting the characters with a Deaf and hearing actor playing the same character (Frozen); using simultaneous live or pre-recorded voiceovers relayed over the BSL or through projecting the text on to an area of the set. There is always a focus on physical storytelling
Isobel Hawson
Producer
Isobel is a theatre producer and Director - On Tour Ltd., a national and international arts consultancy. She currently works with a wide range of diverse theatre companies as a producer, mentor and advisor on their creative, organisation and touring developments.
She has spent many years working in the theatre industry - managing companies, producing and touring new work nationally and internationally, as well as time as a senior officer at Arts Council England.
Frozen by Bryony Lavery (Photo by Alison Baskerville)
“This is a cracking company with an extraordinary USP.”
— Bryony Lavery, Writer of Frozen
Audience development
We are known for bringing new audiences into theatres. On each production we partner with an outside organisation relevant to the subject of the play, supporting our reach into different communities.
Press and Marketing experts, Jane Morgan Associates with an Audience Development officer, work closely with our touring venues with targeted marketing and audience development campaigns.
Our popular Deaf Awareness Training course empowers staff to feel confident communicating with Deaf audience members
Whilst we target Deaf and disabled audiences, our work reaches out to ALL audiences.
Mainstream audiences enjoy seeing popular plays reimagined through a Deaf lens. It offers them an insight into a different culture and language whilst engaging with the play.
Up ‘n’ Under by John Godber (Photo by Mike Kwasniak)
“One of the few successfully integrated shows which as a hearing/Deaf couple we could both enjoy. Really excellent performance.”
— Audience member on Up ‘n’ Under at The Lowry
Access
Access elements are at the heart of our work - from the start of the creative process we ensure they are integral to the concept and in the design of each production.
Working with Deaf and hearing actors our productions always profile British Sign Language, spoken English and physical storytelling.
We offer Audio Description and Touch Tours for visually impaired audiences and Captions are used creatively within productions or offered on specific dates for Hard of hearing audience members.