Paper Balloon create exciting, original storytelling theatre for young audiences. We produce exclusively new stories for the stage, whether working with writers or devising. We develop work with our core ensemble of artists, featuring original live music and song through all our productions. We consistently work with young people through development, ensuring they remain central to whatever we create.
Now based in London, but with strong ties to Oxford, our work tours to theatre and non-theatre spaces, and we are passionate about reaching new audiences. Touring so far has taken us throughout the UK and to Moscow. We are an outwardly-focused company and draw inspiration from international companies and artists. So far we have collaborated with artists from Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Germany and the USA.
We believe young audiences are perceptive, intelligent and deserving of theatrical work of the highest quality regardless of age. We strive to make original and challenging theatre that engages with complex and important themes in a fun, quirky and accessible way.
COMPANY HISTORY Paper Balloon began when Australian Theatre Maker Katie Reeve (nee Boon) was working on her MA in Theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. For one of her projects she drew together friends and artists to create a piece of theatre informed by children in a primary school in Chiswick, London. Artists involved were: Alex Kanefsky, Darren Clark, Kirstin Coulter Smith and Jen Pearcy Edwards. Shortly after this successful project, the group decided to continue working together to create a new piece of theatre at the New Diorama (London) for the Camden Fringe Festival for Young Audiences. This piece culminated in their debut show 'Night Light' and teamed them up with Dorie Kinnear and producer Kate Monro. The group then decided to formalise their work together with the creation of Paper Balloon Theatre Company.
Since then various company members have drifted in different directions across the globe leaving their artistic impressions wherever they go. Our core artists retain the ethos of making accessible, transportive theatre for young audiences.
Paper Balloon continues to head for the clouds and invites audiences to join us in our journey.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our site and if you would like to get in touch and say hi, please do! The Paper Balloon crew is always on the lookout for new collaborators.