Jude Simpson is taking “A Noise Annoys” to Vauxhall City Farm next Saturday October 4th at 11 am and 3 pm. I have caught up with her to find out more.
https://lambethfringe.com/events/a-noise-annoys
What was the inspiration behind your show?
I love wordplay, and started writing a collection of wordplay-based poems for children. Then I had the opportunity to try performing some of them live, and the reception was amazing – I decided to take a diversion and turn the poetry into a live show, with songs, props and audience interaction.
How long has your production been in progress?
It’s been a while! I first performed 10 minutes of the work in October 2023, then a half-hour version in May 2024. In October 2024 I performed the full show for the first time, and I’ve been touring it since May this year.
Where are planning on taking the play next?
I have tour dates in Bedford, Dorchester, Hereford, Cardiff, Cambridge, Peterborough, Devon and others. Bookings are constantly trickling in, so I’ll be touring until May 2026.
What would you like audiences to take away from your show?
I hope everyone – especially children – will be inspired to play with words, and be free to own language and enjoy it.
What are you looking forward to most about performing your show?
What I love about performing my show is seeing families interact with each other as they interact with the performance – there’s something really magical about children and adults responding together in different and complementary ways. I love that moment when a child gets a joke or pun, then sees that their adult has got it too – and they laugh together. It feels a great privilege, actually, to entertain a wide range of ages together.
Why did you choose your particular Fringe venue?
I didn’t choose it – it chose me!! I needed a family-friendly venue that was intimate in size and accessible for all ages. Vauxhall farm is going to be perfect!
Which shows at the Fringe are you planning on watching?
Neysa Killeen is performing a show of Irish storytelling for children, which sounds brilliant – a relaxed telling of some traditional legends and folklore which also promises some “mildly frightening fight scenes” – and it’s in the same venue as me – so I’m really looking forward to that!
Have you had any major hurdles to overcome to get this production on the stage?
For me, the hurdles are emotional ones, to do with self-confidence. Am I good enough? Do I dare take a show on tour? Will people like it? I’m so grateful to the colleagues and theatres who have worked with me on this show, believing in me, and helping make it the best it can be. A shout out to Peterborough Key Theatre, and Cambridge Junction Theatre especially, both of whom have been on the journey with me.
What other productions have you previously been involved with?
Before I had children, I toured two solo shows of spoken word for adults, starting at the Edinburgh Festival. I appeared at many literature festivals, fringe events, theatres and poetry clubs, and won three national slam competitions. After having a break to bring up my own children, I started creating family-friendly work and although it’s a lot of hard work to re-establish my brand and reputation, I’m getting brilliantly positive responses from audiences, and I’m absolutely loving this new stream of creativity.
https://lambethfringe.com/events/a-noise-annoys
https://www.instagram.com/judesimpsonwords/
https://www.facebook.com/ANoiseAnnoysByJudeSimpson/
https://www.facebook.com/JudeSimpsonWords/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_aJknJvu-EYtrQ9mMT4Tw
QUOTES ABOUT JUDE:
“Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer, using her face and body with huge effect. She needs to be seen and heard wherever possible.” – Michael Rosen, poet and former Children’s Laureate
QUOTES ABOUT “A NOISE ANNOYS”
“The show was full of whimsy and joy, and the audience – young and old – loved it.” – Elena, Festival Organiser
“A Noise Annoys is a really wonderful show for anyone but especially children and families. It delights in the joy of words, story and music, which Jude blends so skillfully to create a hugely enjoyable piece.” – David Durant, Associate Director, The Courtyard, Hereford
“Witty, engaging, fun, imaginatively clever.”
“I loved it! Great poetry and audience interaction!”
“Very sensory. Fun with jokes. Educational and immersive.”
“I loved how interactive it was, making poetry more accessible to a young audience”
– Audience members at “A Noise Annoys”
“Jude performed her show and ran a workshop for our disabled or neurodivergent performing arts students at Bedazzle… The show was fabulously fun for everyone – students especially loved the quirky music, and witty visual jokes alongside verbal puns. Some students compared the humour to Harry Hill or Dave Gorman, I would liken it to Victoria Wood and Pam Ayres, but I think it’s clear that Jude stands out as an impressive, hilarious entertainer, as well as a kind, inquisitive workshop facilitator”
– Chloe – drama tutor, Bedazzled Arts
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
Leave a comment