About WhatNot
We’re WhatNot Theatre, a physical theatre duo made up of two women who like to do things a little differently. We make playful, highly visual, hands-on theatre for children, families and young people, creating original shows from scratch that invite audiences to join in, get curious and let their imaginations run wild.
Born in Oxford in 2018, we’re passionate about telling stories in all sorts of ways. We mix physical storytelling, puppetry and playful participation to create joyful, accessible experiences that bring people together. We believe theatre should be for everyone, and that the best adventures often happen when you least expect them.
We like to think outside the theatre (quite literally). Our work pops up in all kinds of places, indoors and out, from traditional performance spaces to unexpected corners, gardens and everywhere in between. Wherever we go, we’re all about making a little bit of magic out of the ordinary.
We’re proud to be resident artists at Pegasus Theatre in Oxford, and have some amazing connections with a number of other Oxford Theatres. Along the way, we’ve also had the pleasure of creating work with support from Oxford Playhouse, University of Oxford’s TORCH programme, Oxford City Council, Sandwell District and many more.
Our adventures have taken us to Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Didcot Cornerstone Arts Centre, Sandwell District Council libraries, Oxford University, Half Moon Theatre, Phoenix Arts Centre, Dorchester Arts, Millets Farm, Tiny Ideas Festival, and many many more!
We’re always up for a new idea, an unusual space or a story waiting to be told. If it involves a bit of imagination, a dash of silliness and bringing people together, we’re probably already thinking about it.
Check out our CV for a full breakdown of our work
Photos by Simon Vail
Meet the Company
Emma Claire-Blythe
Emma is one half of WhatNot’s co-artistic directors. She trained at Rose Bruford on the European Theatre Arts degree which led to her love of devised theatre and Spanish Beer!
Emma is the more tech savvy of the company and when she is not dancing around on stage or bringing a puppet to life she can be found squirrelling away on some form of technical stage design or Marketing campaign. Alongside WhatNot, Emma has been a featured singer in Local care homes singing some Golden Oldie tunes for residents with dementia as well as being a contemporary dancer and Musical Theatre performer touring schools!
Emma’s favourite things in life are a strong cup of coffee, her cat Snax and some good Musical theatre. Also, it is quite a sight to behold just how much of WhatNot set and costume can fit into Emma’s tiny Corsa.
Favourite Story- Too many to choose from but I do just love the Classic of Alice in Wonderland, rabbits, tea, potions and mad cats, right up my street!
Lucy Hoult
Lucy is the What to Emma’s Not. She trained at the Birmingham School of Acting and discovered her love for even stronger coffee here.
In her acting career, Lucy has had roles in BBC Doctors, spent five years as a core member of Deck Theatre and peeked under a Scotmans kilt in a nationwide commercial for Scot’s Porridge Oats. When she is not devising or writing theatre shows, Lucy can be found in a nearby charity shop rummaging for costumes...she says it’s for costume but it’s actually for herself
Favourite Story? - Well of course the classic story of Cinderella, Anyone who can wear glass heels all night is a queen in my eyes!
Friends of WhatNot
