All the Street’s a Stage

“The energy and vibrancy of the prop-rich set and how the actors pulled the stories out of their surroundings…The pace, physicality and energy of the stories were lovely, and I was struck by how well the actors brought this into the setting, the families watching in the foyer all had a really good time being entertained”
RSC – H. Moore Events and Exhibitions

All the Street’s a Stage

COMMISSIONED BY ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
WRITTEN BY MARK WORTH
DIRECTED BY SARAH WORTH

The Forest of Arden arrived on the streets of Stratford, when Highly Sprung was commissioned by the RSC to work on a new piece of interactive street performance for Shakespeare’s birthday celebrations, inspired by the play As You Like It.

Two madcap ‘theatricals’ invited the gathered street audience to co-create the performance. Audience members become directors, lighting designers, costumiers and at times, the stars of the show. A director’s chair for the director, a torch for the lighting designer and a full set of costumes and wigs to choose from for the performers.

Armed with Shakespeare’s most memorable moments, love, laughter, marriage, murder and everything in between, All the Street’s a Stage was a highly interactive, funny and engaging improvised performance in celebration of the Bard.

Two performers, one dressed in a tiny top hat and a striped waistcoat, one in ruffles and a blonde wig

Two performers, one dressed in a tiny top hat and a striped waistcoat, one in ruffles and a blonde wig pose in microphones.

Two performers, one dressed in a tiny top hat and a striped waistcoat, one in ruffles and a blonde wig pose next to a statue of Shakespeare.

Episode 1

In Episode 1 of Where’s the F-in Creativity?, Mark and Sarah turn the mic on each other for an open, funny, and heartfelt conversation about where it all began. From Mark’s first terrifying encounter with theatre to Sarah’s unforgettable orangutan playtime, and a possible brush with Michael Morpurgo, they share the moments that shaped their creative journeys. Along the way, they get candid about the realities of running a performing arts charity, the challenges they face, and what the F-in creativity really means to them.

Listen Here

Episode 1

Listen Here

Episode 2

In this episode of Where’s the F-in Creativity?, Mark and Sarah sit down with Emily Robertson, Senior Associate Artist and Schools Development Co-ordinator at Highly Sprung. Conversation includes chats around the powerful connection between education and creativity, why creative expression is vital for young people, and the unique magic that happens when creativity meets the classroom. Along the way, Emily shares stories from her own journey into performance, including how one life-changing Pocahontas swimming costume set her on the path to a creative life.

Listen Here

Watch Here

Episode 4

In Episode 4 of Where’s the F-in Creativity?, Mark and Sarah catch up with Niall to talk all things drag, creativity and self-expression. Niall shares how creativity has shaped his life, from his early days performing with Highly Sprung’s youth group, Sprung Youth, to unforgettable moments on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7. Together, they chat about drag as a powerful art form, a tool for change, and a space for joy and authenticity. It’s a warm, funny and inspiring conversation that celebrates the freedom creativity brings, and the confidence to be unapologetically yourself.

Listen Here

Watch Here

Episode 4

Listen Here

Watch Here

Episode 5

In Episode 5 of Where’s the F-in Creativity?, Mark and Sarah catch up with graduate theatre company Blank Slate, a fresh new company stepping boldly into the creative sector. Together, they dive into how creativity shapes their lives, what it means to turn creativity into a career, and how to nurture imagination in the midst of chaos. It’s a lively, laughter-filled conversation featuring some spontaneous beatboxing, wild impressions, and plenty of insight from a new generation of theatre-makers finding their voice. An inspiring listen for anyone starting their own creative journey or just trying to keep their creative spark alive.

Listen Here

Watch Here