We are celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 20 years of Artistic Director Wendy Harris leading the company. For two decades, Wendy has been the driving force behind the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, meaningful, and imaginative theatre for young audiences, shaping it into an internationally recognised name in children’s theatre.
A Career Dedicated to Young People’s Theatre
Before joining Tutti Frutti in 2005, Wendy had already dedicated years to creating theatre for young people. She served as Artistic Director at Red Ladder Theatre Company for seven years, and prior to that, she was at the helm of the Merseyside Young People’s Theatre Company.
Her arrival at Tutti Frutti in 2005 marked a significant turning point for the company. She oversaw its move to Leeds and initiated a pivotal shift in the company’s creative model: transitioning from devised work to a strong commitment to commissioning new scripts from professional writers for each production. This new direction quickly built an excellent reputation for creative and innovative shows for children aged 3+ and their families. The first year of this commissioning saw the production The Girl Who Lost Her Smile (adapted by Andrea Earl) and Jack by Mike Kenny.
Key Partnerships and Festivals
A key development under Wendy’s leadership was the establishment of a long-term co-producing partnership with York Theatre Royal. This collaboration saw the production of 17 shows which opened at York Theatre Royal before touring nationally and led to the launch of the Little Feet Festival of Children’s Theatre in 2010. Wendy co-produced 5 of these biennial event, dedicated to performances for young audiences, typically aged 6 months to 12 years. Primarily held at York Theatre Royal, the festival also extended to Leeds at the Carriageworks Theatre in 2018, transforming the venues into child-friendly spaces brimming with performances, interactive experiences, workshops, and craft activities, all aimed at introducing young minds to the magic of live theatre.
Touring, Development, and Advocacy
Under Wendy’s leadership, the company has produced 27 shows with Wendy directing 25. These shows have successfully toured the UK and internationally to countries including the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and were jury selected for international festivals including IPAY (International Performing Arts Youth and the Assitej World Congresses in Warsaw and South Africa. These productions feature brand-new stories and fresh adaptations of much-loved fairy tales and fables.
Wendy is also a committed advocate for the sector, chairing PYA England (Performances for Young Audiences) since 2020, where she helps to lead discussions, lobbies to support performances for young audiences across England and has also been a key player in working collaboratively on a project to drive sector development.
Further cementing Tutti Frutti’s standing, the company received a significant increase in funding when it became a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) of Arts Council England in 2012 and obtained charitable status in 2014, building strong relationships with funders, including Leeds City Council.
Community Engagement and Values
Wendy’s passion for accessibility and community engagement led to the launch of the Tutti Frutti Club in 2022. Now in its third successful year, this free after-school programme delivers high-quality creative workshops—from circus skills to puppetry—to primary school children in Harehills, Leeds, commissioning diverse local artists for the sessions.
Wendy has led the company in defining and embodying its core values—Children and family, Working together, To be the best we can, and Change is possible—which inform all aspects of its work, including a commitment to sustainability by adhering to the Theatre Green Book and striving for a family-friendly working environment as a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Partner.
The company and the wider arts community extend their warmest congratulations to Wendy on this incredible achievement, celebrating two decades of passion, inspiration, and extraordinary children’s theatre.