About Maison Foo

Maison Foo exists to create mischievous new theatre that challenges audiences and tickles their imagination.

We aim to devise inventive visual theatre that collides the everyday with the surreal, drawing on influences from puppetry, clowning and physical theatre.

Bethany trained at Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre graduating with a Ba hons (2:1) in Theatre Arts (Acting). She has also trained throughout Europe in various acting and puppetry techniques, most recently she was singled out by Arts Council England to receive an Artistic Development Grant which supported her training with Pantheatre in Paris and the London School of Puppetry. Bethany has also spent time training with Grotowski based company Piezn Kosla in Poland, studied Jacques Le Coq techniques at the actor’s space in Barcelona and Biomechanics with Gennadi Bogdaninov in Manchester.

Kathryn Trained at Bretton Hall graduating with a Ba Hons (2:1) in Theatre Acting, throughout her time at Bretton Kate specialised in Devised theatre and comedy. She has also spent time training in Keith Johnstone’s improvisation techniques with Kevin Tomlinson of Kepow theatre.
The company have also spent time training with Phelim McDermott of Improbable and John and Sue Fox of Native State.

Foo Associates

Jennifer Sumner

Jen is Associate Artist with Maison Foo, having become charmed by the madness whilst working as a movement director on the The Tourist Ensemble in 2008. Following this successful collaboration, Jen became part of the devising process for Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin and also joined The Foo in the street theatre performance, including The Trolly Dollies at Derby Festé in 2009.Originally training in Drama at London University/Central School of Speech and Drama, Jen has travelled a varied and colourful route through performing, directing, teaching and in 2004 qualifying as a Drama and Movement Therapist. Her work is rooted in movement, clowning, physical theatre and story-making, enriched by working with a wide range of inspiring practioners. In 2005 she set up 'Story Moves' - Drama and Movement for all ages and abilities, 'facilitating creative and therapeutic projects in schools and community settings, which has recently involved collaborations with Maison Foo to explore the use of pupperty. Originally from the North, Jen arrived in Derbyshire three years ago after spending many years in the South and abroad. Joining Maison Foo collective was an unexpected and delightful result of the move!

Highlght of TV Career- Performing with Roy Castle in his Jam Jar Band on Dana's 'Wake Up Sunday Christam Special' BBC 1 (19**)!For more information about Story Moves then please visit www.storymoves.co.uk