DITTO is a female-led theatre company that creates original family theatre that combines storytelling, puppetry and movement to inspire and engage 8-11 year olds.

 

We tour flexible, small-midscale shows across the UK that can be performed anywhere. We use minimal and versatile set and props to tell stories within significant historical contexts to explore timeless social and political themes. Our aim is to spark debate and discussion amongst young people and their families.

 

All of our stories are told through the eyes of a puppet protagonist, inviting audiences to suspend disbelief and join us on an adventure. 

 

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Our Story 

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Established in September 2016, Ditto Theatre Company was formed after its founders graduated from East 15 Acting School’s BA Physical Theatre course. Upon graduating, the company received the 2016 East 15 Graduate Award which part-funded their first appearances at both Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals.

 

With their debut show, ‘Ingo’s War’, Ditto were finalists for the 2017 Les Enfants Terribles Award and shortly after, from their run at Brighton Fringe, became winners of the 2017 Reviews Hub: Beyond the Fringe Award. Following on from their success at Brighton Fringe, ‘Ingo’s War’ was nominated for an Eddies Award during its run at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe 2017.

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Since then, the company have toured their work both nationally and internationally at venues and festivals such as the egg, Theatre Royal Bath; Nonsuch Studios; The Garage; The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's; Greenwich Theatre; Lyric Hammersmith; the 2018 Xintiandi Festival in Shanghai and Shanghai Grand Theatre, performing as part of the 2018 Shanghai International Mime Showcase. 

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In 2018, Ditto were commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland to develop 'Rocket Girl' as part of their Exchange programme. After which, the show was shortlisted for the 2019 Untapped award in association with New Diorama and Underbelly and received critical acclaim at Edinburgh Fringe in 2019. 

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Ditto have previously worked alongside Tangled Feet as part of their year-long mentoring scheme for young and emerging theatre ensembles. The company were recipients of Farnham Malting's 2019 No Strings Attached grant to develop their latest show, 'The Unexpected Adventures of Darwin the Chimp', whilst also receiving mentoring and support from the venue. The company were also recipients of In Good Company's Artist Support Fund, to develop the show further for touring in Easter 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic this tour has been postponed to October 2021. 

 

The company has continued to work remotely and during Summer 2020 have devised a series of online, interactive creative content for young audiences called, 'Ditto's Digital Adventures', utilising theatre, storytelling and creative play. In 2021, Ditto created and filmed 'The Gift' as part of the Attenborough Arts Centre Unexpected Tales online series. 

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Ditto hopes to continue touring their shows to venues, schools and community settings, along with leading workshops in Puppetry and Devising that are adapted for a variety of ages and abilities. 

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