Hello! I'm Laura: a storytelling performer and writer of mixed British and Trinidadian heritage. My work combines forms, sounds and styles to enrich the imaginations of adults, children and family groups. I'm based in London, UK, but work in other places, too.
For adults, I've worked with StoryJam, the Crick Crack Club, and other leading producers. For children and families, I have a repertoire of stories suitable for various ages and contexts, which I add to constantly. My first book ENCHANTED TALES was published in 2023.
My latest full length solo show for adults is YAMANBA (or, SHE’LL BE COMING ROUND THE MOUNTAIN). Other current and recent shows include a collaborative musical retelling of Old English epic BEOWULF (with Minnie Wilkinson) and an evening of FOLK HORROR stories told alongside leading storyteller Daniel Morden (Crick Crack Club), and HIDE, an interdisciplinary performance work which debuted at VAULT Festival 2023.
For children and family audiences, I’ve worked in theatres, galleries, libraries, schools, community centres and outdoor spaces, with organisations including V&A, Rich Mix, Conductive Music CIC, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Hackney City Farm, Atypical Reader, Polka Theatre, Secret City Arts, and Sagapo Teatro. My next book, MYTHICAL TALES, will be published in 2025.
I love working with new people. Bespoke commissions include pieces for Young V&A, Copped Hall Trust, and Autograph Gallery. I’m open to all forms of creative adventure, so –
I've practiced the music-performance form noh since 2011, and also co-create events combining story and experimental sound for festivals and one-off shows.
Recent story-sound events under the collective name THE STILL, include FOREST OF THORNS (Bloomsbury Festival 2023) and UNCANNY STORIES (No Computers VII).
As a noh practitioner, I regularly perform with international collective Theatre Nohgaku. 2024 noh performances include English language noh Blue Moon Over Memphis (Japan) An Evening of Noh Performance in London (various venues), and a French-language adaptation of Seneca’s Medea (European tour).
spoken / sung
audio, radio,
Alongside live performance, I create and contribute spoken words to musical and audio-specific works
Recent creations include Three-Crossing River, a narrative response to art works from the exhibition Yōkai, by Helen Maurer and Angela Moore, and work with composer Anna Murray, Quiet Music Ensemble, Desire Lines (Threads Radio), and Littoral Transmissions (Radiophrenia).
My audio work with story has been featured in the monograph Contemporary Storytelling Performance (Harrop, 2023).
Upcoming Shows
8 August: BLUE MOON OVER MEMPHIS (noh), Kita Noh Theatre, Tokyo
22 August: EDDA (part 2) with Laurence Ashcroft / All Good Bookshop, London
26 August: YAMANBA (Or, She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain) / City Fringe @ Theatre Deli, London
28 August: DEADTOWN! (family show) / City Fringe @ Theatre Deli, London
29 August: EDDA (part 3) with Laurence Ashcroft / All Good Bookshop, London
6 September: AFRICAN HERITAGE FAMILY Storytelling Tour / V&A South Kensington, London
20 October: PAE PONG GI (noh WIP) / Kamakura Noh Theatre, Japan
27 October: MYTHICAL TALES + SLEEPING BEAUTY (author event) / Hoddesdon Library, Herts
29 October: WINDRUSH ADVENTURE (children’s theatre) with Rebel Tales / Stanley Arts, London
30 October: DAY OF THE DEAD Storytelling (families), Wanstead Library, London
1 November: AFRICAN HERITAGE FAMILY Storytelling Tour / V&A South Kensington, London
8 November: FOLK HORROR with Daniel Morden / EarthHouse, Cranborne
6 December: AFRICAN HERITAGE FAMILY Storytelling Tour / V&A South Kensington, London
more dates coming soon, watch this space …
Background
I have a first-class BA in English Literature and Old Norse/Old English (University College London) and MA in Japanese Studies (SOAS). Before studying performance forms in Japan, the UK and the USA, I worked in publishing and bookselling. Along the way, I’ve also promoted events, negotiated contracts for theatre designers, booked tours, and edited other people’s written work.
Contact
Phone :
Address :
email - laura@laurasampson.com
instagram - @theotherlaurasampson
facebook - @wordbirdlaura