What is Fancy Long Legs about?
This show is about a creative spirit - Fancy Long Legs - who has so many wonderful ideas and talents but can not find a way to create a real life web. With the 'help' of her spiderling friends Incy, Busy and Charlotte, Fancy goes on a journey of self discovery to find her style and discover something new about about herself.
What is your creative process like?
When it comes to coming up with new ideas, I try to remain extremely open and attune to the little stories and moments of magic that present themselves in every day life. I am always writing things down and making little observations about things I'm seeing - and I really pay attention when one of those ideas continues to spark a little bit of excitement inside...this is when I know I'm onto something! The story of Fancy Long Legs is a good example of this process. One day when I was cleaning up my studio I crouched down to look underneath my craft cart (to give it a good sweep) but noticed a spider was living underneath, and that they had strung their web with the most amazing array of confetti dots and glittery bits. It took my breath away, and I couldn't stop thinking about what kind of spider might make something so beautiful...and then Fancy was born. This process is the same for the art I make - I get these little moments of a dream or a spark of inspiration, and I go about finding a way to bring it to life.
Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?
After I discovered the spider with a confetti web in my studio, I recall introducing the images on social media and referring to it as Fancy Long Legs. The Little Red Company's Artistic Director and Co-Founder Naomi Price (who I have known for some time through creating some costumes for her shows over the years) immediately loved Fancy, and over time I recall discussing with her the story that had developed as a result of my encounter. With a shared love of musical theatre, we ended up believing that the story (that I had ended up developing for a kid's book) would translate to a wonderful kid's musical show. We were also extremely excited that the show's message was aligned with our shared values of accessibility and inclusion, we really wanted to make a work that encouraged kids/people to embrace difference and see the value in it.
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
A perfect audience member for me is a kiddo! I love the idea that this show could be a young child's first experience at the theatre, and that this experience will be one of accessibility, inclusion and celebrating difference and creativity! That being said, I also think parents and adults could also LOVE this show - I think there is something about self acceptance and exploration in this show that will really resonate with grown ups too.
How do you want people to feel after your show?
I want people to leave the show feeling inspired and excited to embrace their own true self and the true selves of the people / kiddos around them. I'd love them to also feel optimism, wonder, and a desire to crack the textas out and get scribbling about their feelings!
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?
You simply MUST come to see it! I am also doing the set design and costumes for the show - so you can expect to see some razzle dazzle!
