Augmented Productions

March 2021 marked the end of our 18-month associateship with Sophie Woolley and Augmented Productions. What was initially intended to be a year-long partnership, was extended as a result of the pandemic to allow us to find alternative ways of working together in a time when live performance was not possible.

From shadowing our Artistic Director, producing Sophie’s touring show (Augmented) in early 2020, and working in partnership on a short film in January 2021 (Best In Lockdown), the partnership has been fruitful for both parties.

"After years of doing my thing, making things up as I went along, and not feeling like I belonged, it was a huge boost to have an Associateship with Told by an Idiot. As I watched Paul Hunter and a highly skilled cast in rehearsals, a whole world opened up. Jen, Jenni, Natasha, Paul and the rest of the Idiots welcomed me into their HQ, gave me space, shared their marketing tactics and producing know-how. They produced the tour of Augmented Productions’ first show, Augmented, until the pandemic struck - then helped me with the knotty business of un-producing the show and packing the tour away. Paul also provoked me to create a digital response to the pandemic and introduced me to Dudley Rees, to collaborate on Best In Lockdown. Above all the Idiots encouraged me to believe in myself and carry on making live performance."

Sophie Woolley, Augmented Productions

"In the past 18 months as our associate artist, Sophie Woolley has brought an enormous amount to Told by an Idiot. Her imagination, commitment and drive has been really inspiring, and I personally have learnt a lot from her approach and her curiosity. Producing her show Augmented was a terrific experience and it was a worthy addition to the Idiot repertoire. It was also a pleasure to introduce her to Idiot film maker, Dudley Rees, and to see their collaboration on the improvised film, Best In Lockdown, flourish. We wish Sophie all the best in her various endeavours. We’ll stay in touch and am sure we will get to work together again soon."

Paul Hunter, Artistic Director of Told by an Idiot

Best In Lockdown

A failed response to the pandemic by Sophie Woolley and Dudley Rees Read more