- Sadie Jemmett took up her new position as artistic director, Footsbarn Travelling Theatre Company, in November 2021.
Sadie Jemmett is a critically acclaimed musician, composer, musical director, theatre director and performer based in France, with over 25 years experience of working in theatre, both in France, the UK and the United States.
She trained in theatre at the international Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris, and in Speech and Drama at Peredur Center for the Arts in the UK.
She has worked with award winning director, Irina Brook, as her composer & musical director, for the past 15 years, on numerous productions in Theatres all over the world, including Theatre National de Chaillot, Paris and the La Mama Experimental Theatre in New York.
Sadie began her work in theatre with The Rose Theatre Company, an international touring company based in the UK, where she wrote, directed and performed in numerous productions
for both adults and children
She has also collaborated with her brother, Dan Jemmett, as composer and musical director, on two of his productions; clytemnestr@pocalypse at the Theatre National de Nice and The Collected Works of Billy the Kid at The Bouffe de Nord, Paris.
As a singer-songwriter, Sadie has released four albums to date; The Blacksmiths Girl (2011), London Love Songs, (2014), These Days – live at the Green Note (2016) and Phoenix (2018). She was signed to folk legend Judy Collins’ label, Wildflower Records, in NY and has toured extensively with her in the UK.
She has performed as a solo artist and with her band throughout the UK, Europe and the US
Sadie is no stranger to inclusive, community and children’s theatre, something she feels passionately about. She co-founded YO Withyham, a local community children’s theatre company in the UK, where she directed two musical productions; Annie and Oliver.
She has also worked for the award winning charity, Siren Arts, in London, where she ran workshops and directed shows for adults with learning difficulties.
Sadie said: “I am delighted and amazed at this opportunity. I first saw Footsbarn as a teenage busker living In East Berlin, and they blew my young mind. Since then I have followed their career and been a lifelong fan.
“I intend to continue their tradition of magical, vibrant, community focused theatre, and to bring to the table a modern, socio political approach, for this and the next generation of theatre goers.”
Irina Brook said: “The choice of Sadie Jemmett to become the new artistic director of Footsbarn Theatre is perfect, as she has all the assets to revive this legendary company – with a deep understanding and love for their past and their history, mixed with creative energy, talent and strength, which will propel them into a renewed present and future. ”
Paddy Hayter, founder member of Footsbarn Theatre, said: “I have met Sadie Jemmett on several occasions since she moved to France earlier this year and I discovered her deep admiration and respect for the work and philosophy of Footsbarn.
“Sadie brings with her a deep family history on the stage and her considerable professional experience in theatre and music. With her very capable and caring hands, we feel she is the perfect person to continue the Footsbarn adventure for many more years to come.”