Tom Roden is a theatre maker, director and performer. With a career spanning comedy, dance, theatre, and opera, he’s brought his distinctive blend of humour and artistry to audiences worldwide. As Associate Director of Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales, Tom has been working closely with young performers to create a show that blends movement, spoken word, live music, and animation. In this Q&A, he shares his journey with Restoke, his thoughts on collaboration, and why comedy is a powerful tool in storytelling.

Hello, Tom! Thanks for chatting with us. How did you first get involved with Restoke?
My first project with them was a men's stand-up comedy session. It was challenging and rewarding and has led to me thinking about my skills in different ways.

I've been a fan since I heard about their projects. I loved my first tour of the ballroom, hearing the story of how it came to life. Subsequently, I brought both of my companies - New Art Club and Anatomical to do workshops and performances. It’s my favourite place to bring shows. I love the audiences, the atmosphere and the can-do attitude of everyone involved. 

Your career spans theatre, dance, comedy, and opera; what excites you about working across different art forms?
I'm just into creativity, whoever and wherever - by any means necessary. My initial excitement about being involved in the arts was inspired by going to football and gigs growing up in the 80s in Manchester. Everything seemed possible. There was a lawless, anarchic spirit surrounding culture that I’ve never moved away from. I love taking an audience on a ride, making them laugh, making them cry, getting them to enjoy having big feelings whilst surrounded by other people.

Humour plays a big role in your work. How do you balance comedy with the deeper themes of a show like Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales?
I've always used comedy to help unlock audiences, to make them feel comfortable and to make them feel uncomfortable! Some of the work I’ve done on Bernadette has been about working with the performers to deliver the comedic elements of the show, helping them understand the power they have on stage and enabling them to be themselves in front of an audience. Its not easy, it never is - but we are making huge strides every day.

Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales brings together movement, spoken word, live music, and animation. What has been the most exciting part of bringing these elements together?
For me it's always exciting to work in a team where lots of people have expertise in different areas. The main component of Bernadette is the young performers -  they are the centre that everything revolves around and its them that the audience will connect with. 

What has surprised you most about this process - whether in the rehearsal room or in the collaboration with young people?
The thing that surprises me most about working on arts projects is how it never gets boring, how each group is unique and how bonded you become to it.

How does creating theatre in non-traditional venues like the Ballroom shape the work?
The Ballroom allows for great scope, we aren't bound by the rules of the traditional theatre. And because the Artistic Directors built it with their own hands, everything feels organic, considered and authentic.

Bringing new artists into the city is an important part of Restoke's work – and yours! Why is it important to you that we connect new artists within this community?
Over the last few years I've loved coming to Stoke. I’ve started to feel part of the ongoing Restoke project and welcomed into the wider community in Fenton which I’m grateful for. Being a freelance artist means you don't have a home, so places that feel comfortable and welcoming are vital.