Jennifer Fletcher

WORK

Jennifer grew up in Cornwall before training in Dance Theatre at LABAN. Since then she has worked in many areas of performance as a director, choreographer, writer, movement director, performer and continues to make work with the two companies she has co-founded; The Mostly Everything People and NOVA.

See below for recent examples of work - full CV can be found here

MERMAIDS (Co-writer/director/choreographer)

Images Steve Tanner and John Freddy Jones

Second phase of development for new musical Mermaids co-written and directed with Harry Blake (Music and Lyrics) supported by The National Theatre Studio, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Arts Council England, Feast and AMATA.

WE’VE BEEN HERE (Co-director)

Images by Abi Galatia

Research phase for a new community project with 40 Grandmothers in Penwith. An exploration of resilience, unpaid labour, wisdom and female invisibility for a future multi layered experience with many different forms. Together with co-director Agnieszka Blonska and creative producer Hannah Brady, this phase of development also explores the use of immersive technology including test film work at the 360 dome in Plymouth (Market hall). The below audio file is a sample from interviews with the WBH steering group recorded by Claud Tonietto and edited by Ciaran Clarke.

Steering group/audio voices; Alice King, Mercedes Kemp, Leif Olsen, Emma Gibson, Mel Mitchell, Lucy Birbeck and Kate Barden.

Supported by Arts Council England, Immersive Business Lab, Real Ideas Organisation, Feast, Paul Village Hall and the Solomon Browne Memorial Hall.

RE:VOICE - THE TATE ST.IVES (Movement Director)

Images Steve Tanner

Directed by Agnieszka Blonska, Re:Voice is a participatory theatre performance created as a part of the international academic research Re-voicing cultural landscapes. The work draws on the research interviews from Cornwall and was co-written and co co-created with a community choir from Penzance.

In collaboration with Falmouth University, the Tate St Ives Gallery and St Ives Community Orchard.

Funded and supported by Arts Council England, Feast Cornwall, Falmouth University and the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

SAP - Atticist Theatre/MAST/45 North/Ellie Keel Productions

A new play by Rafaella Marcus directed by Jessica Lazar at the Roundabout (Summerhall, Edinburgh Fringe Festival) returning in 2023 to The North Wall, Birmingham REP, Mercury Theatre, Soho Theatre, Theatre by the Lake, Theatre Royal - Bury St.Edmunds, Bedales Theatre, Exeter Phoenix and The Marlowe Theatre.

The Stage Award for Performance - Jessica Clark (winner)

Medal for Excellence in Theatre award - Soho Playhouse (winner)

Lustrum Award (winner)

Off Fest (Offies) Theatre (nomination)

Holden Street Award (nomination)

“With powerful movement direction by Jennifer Fletcher, the moments of physical connection between the two are electric.” - The Queer Review”

“…while movement (Jennifer Fletcher) fans a roaring flame of intensity between performers.” - Three Weeks

“They are ably supported by the commanding choreography of Laban trained Jennifer Fletcher” - LGBT Poet Laureate

“Director Jessica Lazar and movement Director Jennifer Fletcher have collaborated on a pair of performances whose movements are central to imagining the setting.” - All that Dazzles.

https://www.atticist.co.uk/sap

PETER PAN - SLAPSTICK PICNIC (Choreographer)

Images Tom Dixon

Touring production directed by Nel Crouch.

THE ODD FOLK (R & D) - Director

Images Andy Lawrence Photography

Research phase for a new production written by Morgan Val Baker adapted from a series of blogs about a ‘how not to be in a band’ following the last 10 years of Cornish band The Odd Folk.

Supported by Arts Council England, Sancreed Village Hall and the Solomon Browne Memorial Hall.

THE SNOW QUEEN - STORYHOUSE (Choreographer)

Images Mark McNulty

Christmas production at Storyhouse directed by Hannah Noone, design by Jacob Hughs and music by Samuel Barnes.

THE APOLOGY - NEW EARTH THEATRE (Movement Director)

Images by Ikin Yum

Developed with support from The National Theatre, directed by Ria Parry for a run at The Arcola, London.

https://www.newearththeatre.org.uk/events/the-apology

Offie - Best play (nomination)

Offie - Best video design (nomination)

I AM KEVIN - WILDWORKS (Associate director/movement)

Images by Ian Kingsnorth

A large scale promenade outdoor production with a professional cast and community chorus. Written by Hannah McPake, directed by Mydd Pharo, music by Banjo Bower, sound by Daniel Balfour, Design by Amy Pitt and Ellie Williams.

RTYDS - 2022

Recently selected for the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme in the South West supported by Hall For Cornwall, imPossible, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Exeter Northcott and Beyond Face.

SORRY YOU’RE NOT A WINNER - PAINES PLOUGH/THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH (Movement director)

Images: Steve Tanner

A new play by Samuel Bailey (Papatango Prize & Times Breakthrough Award winner) directed by Jesse Jones; Theatre Royal Plymouth, Bristol Old Vic & The Northern Stage.

“Jesse Jones’s directions keeps a relentless pace with beautifully fluid movement (Jennifer Fletcher) breaking the tension…” - British Theatre Guide.

THE RESURRECTION - ST.JUST ORDINALIA (Director)

2021 Large scale outdoor production at historic Plen an Gwari in South West Cornwall, written by Pauline Sheppard.

A community cast of over 70 actors supported by a 50 strong choir and band, this production played alongside Origo Mundi and The Passion to approx 5,000 people over two weeks. .

Images by Steve Tanner, Mike Newman and Kylie Sullivan

WE’VE BEEN HERE (Co-director)

An ongoing community project in collaboration with Co-director Agnieszka Blonska, Creative Producer Hannah Brady and the Grandmothers of Penwith. This project explores themes of resilience, relationships and grandmotherhood, currently in development for 2023 using immersive/360 technology supported by Arts Council England, Feast, Hall for Cornwall, Immersive Business Lab (Falmouth University), Creative England, Solomon Browne Hall, RIO and Garbo House.

Pilot ideas explored in a series of 7 films made in lockdown, example below (filmed by Steve Tanner, edit by Ian Kingsnorth). Full series available here

MERMAIDS - In development (Co-writer/director)

A new musical currently in development with Harry Blake. Workshopped with the Arts Lab company of 2021 (North Wall Arts Centre) and Distillery Takeover (Taunton Brewhouse). 2022 Development supported by Arts Council England, Hall for Cornwall, Taunton Brewhouse, Proteus Theatre and AMATA.

Images Josh Tomalin and John Freddy Jones

PETER PAN - STORYHOUSE (Associate director/Movement)

2019 Christmas production featuring innovative aerial work (through collaboration with Wired Aerial) and 3 community casts written by Gary Owen.

ANNA BELLA EEMA - ARCOLA (Movement Director)

Co-production by Ellie Keel Productions, Atticist Theatre and Arcola written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D’Amour.

Nominated for 3 Off West End Awards.

“Fletcher’s movement matches D’Amour’s sinewy writing beat for beat – exacting and eerie, rarely static, never boring.” - Exeunt Magazine 

GREENHAM 101 - BRAVE NEW WORLDS (Associate choreographer).

Site-specific performance supported by 101 Outdoor Arts inspired by the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp with an original score composed by Caroline Devine. A series of short films were also created as part of this project by Thomas Ellis for Brave New Worlds.

DON GIOVANNI - LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA (Associate director/movement).

Directed by Martin Constantine for the LFO 2019 summer season.

“This is a production that is far from conventional and yet truly resonates with the original” - Plays to See

THE SANDMAN - SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE (Co-writer/director)

A commission for a new musical written with Harry Blake in collaboration with a company of graduate BRIT school students supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Fund. Inspired by ETA Hoffman’s original dark 19th century tale of The Sandman.

“The choreography (from Jennifer Fletcher) was highly effective and ultimately fearless…” - View from the Cheap Seats

MATHILDA & THE ORANGE BALLOON - DH ENSEMBLE, CREATION AND UK TOUR (Movement director)

Collaboartion between US artist Jess Kaufman and the Deaf & Hearing Ensemble based on the children’s book by Randall de Seve.

“Great creativity and imagination”

OUTLYING ISLANDS - ATTICIST THEATRE - (Movement dir)

First London revival of David Greig’s play set on a remote Scottish island since it’s Olivier winning run at The Royal Court in 2002.

Nominated for two Off West End Awards, received 6 x 5 star reviews and 14 x 4 stars.

“As near perfect as a play can get…Jessica Lazar’s taught direction, complimented by Jennifer Fletcher’s nimble movement direction…”

THE TEMPEST/MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - (Choreographer)

Two productions for Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre's 2018 summer season directed by Alex Clifton and Bill Buckhurst. 

“Laughter, entertainment and food for thought. Just what a night at the theatre should be.” - The Reviews Hub for Much Ado About Nothing.

AS LONG AS THE HEART BEATS - NATIONAL THEATRE WALES (Movement Director)

Co-directed by Marcus Romer and Bin Tinniswood this site-specific National Theatre Wales production took place on the Outpatients ward at Royal Gwent Hospital. Programmed as part of the NHS:70 festival to celebrate 70 years of the NHS. 

THOR & LOKI - HIGH TIDE/VICKY GRAHAM PRODUCTIONS (Choreographer)

An original musical by Harry Blake, produced by Vicky Graham Productions and HighTide. Venues include North Wall (Oxford), Assembly Festival (Edinburgh), Adleburgh, Harlow Playhouse and The Lowry Studio (Manchester). 

"...Jennifer Fletcher's choreography and Harrison White's musical direction are slick.." - The Stage.

http://thorandlokithemusical.com

BEACHED - THE MOSTLY EVERYTHING PEOPLE (Movement Director)

A new dance film from The Mostly Everything People, premiered at Quinzena de Danca de Almada (Portugal) in Autumn 2018. Filmed by 

2133 - NOVA (Co-creator)

A brand new work through NOVA inspired by a WEF report that claims we won't reach gender equality until the year 2133. A research and development project investigating a model that can be adapted to integrate spoken and sign language of the region it is performed in. Supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales, Wales Arts International, Teatromosca, Chapter Arts Centre, AMATA, Artists International Development Fund (British council), Kinderenvandevilla and Riverfront Arts Centre.

I HAVE A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS - HOUSE OF BLAKEWELL (Choreographer)

A new musical in development with House of Blakewell first presented at Vault Festival, supported by Arts Council England and The Lowry.

SECRET SEVEN - STORYHOUSE (Movement Director)

A world premiere of Enid Blyton's classic staged at Storyhouse over Christmas 2017. 

RAPUNZEL - CAMBRDIGE JUNCTION (Choreographer)

An original musical by Dancing Brick with Cambridge Junction

- "Witty, warm and wacky" - The Stage

THE BEGGAR’S OPERA - STORYHOUSE (Choreographer)

This new production by Storyhouse, directed by Alex Clifton, Written by Glyn Maxwell and Music by Harry Blake opened the their brand new £37million building in Chester in May 2017.

"A vivid adaptation by Glyn Maxwell of Gay’s 1728 ballad play launches Chester’s exciting new venue"    

SEMELE - MID WALES OPERA/RWCMD (Associate director/Movement) 

Co-production - Mid Wales Opera/Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Directed by Martin Constantine. Development and tour in Wales. 

"...an invigorating - sometimes quirkily comic - cautionary tale for the social media age." - The Independent.

"....singing with a suitable balance of attack and delicacy and moving around the stage nimbly. Credit goes to Associate director/movement Jennifer Fletcher for her work in facilitating this" - Wales Art Review.

"...it is hard to think of a recent production so jam-packed with clever modern twists and illusions.." - Arts Scene in Wales.

Dec 2016 - Mar 2017

THE VERY IMPORTANT CHILD - THE MOSTLY EVERYTHING PEOPLE (Co-creator/Director) 

The Mostly Everything People. Development and tour supported by Arts Council England, AMATA (Falmouth University and Nescot College).  

Aug 2016 - May 2017

“Engaging…seamless” - Buzz Magazine

“Funny, thought-provoking, clever and silly” - To Do List

JASON & THE ARGONAUTS - THE UNICORN (Movement director)

September 2016

Unicorn Theatre; directed and created by Thomas Eccleshare and Valentina Cescchi. 

"The four-strong cast, including the multitasking musician Dylan Townley, deliver a remarkably slick, energetic and colourful production.."  The Stage

INVISIBLE CITY - NOVA (Director)

Jan 2015 - current

NOVA: Development and ongoing tour dates. Invisible City was initially developed into a full production in early 2015 and has since toured to London, Cardiff, Cornwall, Edinburgh, Devon, Lisbon, Bilbao, Santander, Barcelona, Venice receiving multiple 5 star reviews.

Supported by Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales, Wales Arts International and Chapter Arts Centre.

"Quirky, accomplished, accomplished and moving"

"A modern, twisted 'coming-of-age' piece that everyone should see"

"Keeps us on our seats form beginning to end" 

PEOPLE OF THE EYE - DH ENSMEBLE, TOUR (Choreographer)                                                                                                                                      

July 2016

The Deaf and Hearing Ensemble; directed by Jennifer Bates. Featured on BBC 2's 'See Hear'. 

Supported by Arts Council England performances include: Pulse Festival (Ipswich), NOW 16 at The Yard Theatre (London), The Roundhouse (London), Southwark Playhouse (London), Summerhall (Edinburgh, curated by Northern Stage).

"The love between he two characters is palpable and you leave the piece warmed by it while questioning why society is so fussed about difference" - Huffington Post

TRINITY - BRAVE NEW WORLDS (Choreographer)

July 2016

Brave New Worlds (Performed and created by Valentina Cescchi, Kate Lane and Guoda Jaruseviciute). Supported by Arts Council England, Barbican OpenLab, Lithuania Council for Culture and Middlesex University.

"Nothing quite prepared me for the tiny wonder that is TRINITY" - The Guardian

SNOW CHILD - THE UNICORN/SHEFFIELD THEATRE (Choreographer)

Dec 2015

This brand new children's show by award-winning theatre company Dancing Brick, performed a successful run at the Unicorn Theatre as a co-production with Sheffield Theatre in December 2016.

“A softer, funnier version of the Russian folk-tale”  

POMP - THE MOSTLY EVERYTHING PEOPLE (Co-creator/Director)

The Mostly Everything People

June 2015

Canada Water Culture Space (selected as Emerging Artists 2015), supported by Arts Council England)

"Nothing like I have ever seen before....something this good deserves to be shared" - Split the City.

SOUL BEAR - PAD PRODUCTIONS (Movement director)

PAD productions R&D 2015 (Positive about deafness) in Derby on the creation of ‘Soul Bear’, a production that aims to be accessible to deaf and visually-impaired young audiences. Supported by ACE, Derby Theatre and Graeae Theatre.

CEREMONY - THE MOSTLY EVERYTHING PEOPLE (Co-director/Choreographer)

Jan 2015

The Mostly Everything People - Dance film

Selected for screenings at EnCORE dance film festival (Georgia, USA) and LemoArt gallery (Berlin) and Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (London). Also shown as a curtain raiser for main house performances in the South West; The Acorn (Penzance) and The Poly (Falmouth), and

HOUSE OF BLAKEWELL - VARIOUS PRODUCTIONS (Choreographer)

Jennifer has worked with musical comedy duo House of Blakewell (Craig Barbour award for song writing - Soho Theatre) on multiple productions including; Book of Blakewell, House Party and We Can Make You Happy.

“Clever, funny and ultimately touching” - The Scotsman.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

DIDO AND AENEAS - OPERA UP CLOSE (Choreographer)

In 2014, Jennifer worked with OperaUpClose on their 6-week run of "Dido and Aeneas" at The Kings Head Theatre. OperaUpClose are well known for staging classic Opera's in modern settings and Jennifer was delighted to work with award-winning director Valentina Ceschi on this project.

http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/operaupclose.html

“A bold, beautiful and inclusive evening” - Broadway World

“Great fun and beautifully sung” - Time Out

DIDO AND AENEAS - BATH INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL (Choreographer)

In the same year Jennifer also worked on a very different staging of Dido and Aeneas in collaboration with Bath International Music Festival, The Royal College of Music and Florilegium. This dramatic site-specific production was performed on platforms over the water at the Royal Baths and was directed by Martin Constantine. Jennifer also worked with Martin on Wind in the Willows by the Lord Chamberlain's Men which was performed at the Mulheim Festival, Germany

“…heart-rending”. - TheGuardian

“…the stylised choreography of the chorus, moonlighting from The Royal College of Music, was neatly managed” - Venue.

Rhinegold - Movement director

In 2012 Jennifer worked with LIVEARTSHOW on their multi-medium version of Wagner's "Rhinegold". Directed by Martin Constanitine, composed by Harry Blake and written by Alan Harris this production ran for 3 weeks at The Yard Theatre, Hackney. 

“…impressive dance sequence”. Wales Art Review

“The us of movement was also outstanding.” - The Fantail Foundation

http://www.liveartshow.co.uk/#!about

Kasper - Movement director

In 2011 Jennifer worked with Aya Theatre on their production of "Kaspar" by Peter Handke for a 3 week run at a pop-up theatre in the railway arches/office space in Southwark. She collaborated with the company by acting as Movement director and brought on a team of dancers that she also performed alongside. 

“…refreshingly abrasive” - The Times.

http://www.ayatheatre.com/aya/Kaspar.html