about

History

Curious Tales Theatre was formed in 2016 by Adam Wollerton and PJ Nielsen to produce the musical LoveStuck. The company wanted to support new writing and develop an artistic style for their productions. LoveStuck premiered in 2017.

After the release of LoveStuck, Adam stepped away from a producer role to focus solely on writing, though he is still is very close to the company.

As the sole producer, PJ focused on his final year at University before putting on the next production in early 2019 as brought forward by Kathryn Kitchener: Ordinary Days. Kathryn joined Curious Tales as Artistic Director. Ordinary Days ran for two weeks at Clapham’s Bread and Roses Theatre, with live art as a central theme of the piece.

The company began their next production for the end of the year. A Curious Night of Music and Art was a celebration of what Curious Tales loved in theatre: the artistic flair of performers and engaging with audiences. Performed by cast members and creatives from previous productions, the musical revue featured live art, dance, projection and original spoken word performances. Curious Tales officially incorporated for this production.

[Enter Covid]
During Covid, PJ and Kathryn did what they could to stay creative by continually writing and collaborating with other companies. Also, personal developments (such as PJ and Kathryn getting married) shifted the company focus from producing.

In 2022, a complete rewrite of LoveStuck was completed, featuring a revised script with reimagined characters and brand new songs. With its new renewed storyline, the show’s name has been changed to The First Years.

On this milestone, Curious Tales began the process of full company development by bringing on a team of company directors, with the aim of ensuring the company stays on track in delivering it’s mission statement:

Curious Tales’ mission is to create engaging theatre with an artistic twist, by pushing boundaries whilst telling relatable stories, which connect our communities and audiences in an accessible way.

Curious Tales are currently focusing on producing The First Years, aiming to workshop the show in 2023 for further development.

the team

PJ Nielsen

Lead Producer
PJ was born in Merton, London, where from an early age he developed a passion for games, sound and music. He began to write songs when he was at school, organised live events for local bands and volunteered at music venues and theatres. PJ studied Music Composition and Technology for Film and Games at the University of Hertfordshire, achieving a First Class honours. PJ has been involved in theatre and games in many capacities, including as a songwriter and lyricist, producer, stage manager, lighting designer, sound designer and technical audio designer. PJ was the composer, lyricist and producer of LoveStuck: The Musical. He acted as producer and sound and lighting designer for Ordinary Days at the Bread and Roses Theatre, and producer, sound and lighting designer, writer and performer in A Curious Night of Music and Art.

Kathryn Kitchener

Artistic Director
Kathryn was born in Essex and studied Musical Theatre at the London College of Music, where she first discovered her love for developing new work when she played Suzanne in Bel Ami: The Musical at the Charing Cross Theatre. This love of new writing was carried into her work with Curious Tales, when she originated the role of Lily in the new musical LoveStuck at the Cockpit Theatre. She reprised her role of Lily in the LoveStuck: The Original Cast Recording. Kathryn has since acted as Artistic Director as well as a performer in Curious Tales productions of Ordinary Days and A Curious Night of Music and Art. Kathryn has also performed in venues such as the Indigo2, Piccadilly Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, and the BBC One show, Pitch Battle, with vocal group Soul Train.

directors

Our wonderful directors ensure we stay true to our company mission at all times.

Stevi Magikk

Director
Stevi is a makeup artist and events manager. She has worked extensively with charities such as the Ronald McDonald House. Stevi joined the Curious Tales family as a stage manager during LoveStuck. She also operated lights and sound for A Curious Night of Music and Art!

Tima

Director
Tima sings and writes her own music as well as collaborating with songwriters and producers. She's been working with a library music label, creating commercial music for TV! Tima joined the Curious Tales family during LoveStuck, where she played the keys and acoustic guitar in the band.