Company history and artistic policy
Artistic policy
Told by an Idiot sets out to explore the human condition by celebrating and revelling in a style of theatre that is bigger than life. The company seeks to acknowledge the artifice of theatre and makes no attempt to put reality on stage. We remain, however, fascinated by the fine line between comedy and tragedy that exists in the real world. Through collaborative writing, anarchic physicality and a playful but rigorous approach to text, the company is committed to creating a genuinely spontaneous experience for the audience. Using a wealth of imagery and a rich theatrical language, we aim to tell universal stories that are accessible to all.
History
Told by an Idiot was founded in 1993 by Hayley Carmichael, Paul Hunter and John Wright. Since the company’s first production, On the Verge of Exploding, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the company has built up an enviable reputation. It has collaborated with celebrated artists of national and international standing, including Carol Ann Duffy, Zoe Rahmen, Philip Pullman and Richard Wilson who subsequently became our patron.
In 2001, as part of the Theatre Review, Arts Council England brought the company onto the RFO portfolio. In 2006, John Wright stepped down as one of the Artistic Directors and Paul Hunter and Hayley Carmichael took on the dual roles of Co-Artistic Directors. In 2007 the company appointed Sebastian Warrack as their new Producer.
Told by an Idiot has performed throughout the world, in venues ranging from large-scale theatres to rural village halls including the Royal Court, the Market Theatre Johannesburg, West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Lyric Hammersmith.