TSF creates an international theatre of excellence that celebrates world languages and cultures.

TSF produces multilingual theatre that is innovative, engaging and imaginative. We perform in theatres, festivals, arts centres, schools and colleges throughout the UK. By creating physical and visual theatre that uses mime, mask, puppetry, clowning and live music, we aim to break down barriers of language, making our work accessible to all. We support and inspire the lifelong learning of languages through varied activities that complement classroom-based teaching methods.

Why the community needs this charity

As a touring company we can take our work directly to areas where there is limited transport and few arts facilities. A TSF performance is often the first experience children have of live theatre. Our participatory project work in schools enables children to learn languages through the medium of drama which is fun and engaging and builds self confidence. Productions are accompanied by workshops and discussions which give audiences a greater insight into the cultural context of our work.

Results and outcomes

Through our performances in schools and theatres, we reach around 19000 people each year, half of them under the age of 15. Feedback from teachers indicates increased levels of self-confidence and better communication skills amongst pupils. The teachers themselves are inspired to find different ways to approach language learning. Our audiences of all ages gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of the richness and diversity of world cultures.

Latest activities and projects

La Chanson du Retour

TSF and The Sage Gateshead are working together on a fun and interactive theatre show in French for 8 to 12 year olds. La Chanson du Retour (a song to take you home) is about a young girl, Léa, who finds herself transported into the strange world of her computer game and cannot get home without finding a mystery song. Packed with funky songs, rap, rhythms and dance, the show will be toured to schools nationwide, but especially to schools in the north-east region. read more