Bodmin Change Makers
When artists take a chance, we all grow
Introducing three artists who have sparked change at intoBodmin.
We were lucky enough to have Nicole Gartell join us for an internship placement as a ‘Community Storytelling Assistant’ from the University of Exeter. This piece was researched and drafted by Nicole during her placement and developed in collaboration with Lisa Palfrey as part of our Bodmin Change Makers series.
“It felt like a real neighbourhood coming together going, boom, we’re going to make this happen.”
What the audience don’t always see is the bit before: months of conversations, rehearsals, cups of tea, problem-solving, encouragement, and the small, brave moment where an artist says:
“I’ve got an idea. Shall we try it?”
Over two weeks, Nicole asked what happens when artists take that chance — and what intoBodmin does to help make it possible.
She spoke to three artists who have worked with intoBodmin, and to Mimi, our Events and Creative Projects Coordinator, to find out what artist support really looks like in practice.
Meet the artists
Ben Kernow
Ben is a theatre maker and founder of Ha, Hum, Ah Theatre Company. He did his first co-production with us in 2018, and we have been working together ever since.
Playful. Inventive. Accessible.
Kesha Pullum
Kesha is a clown and founder of The Lonely Clown Club. She came to intoBodmin to develop her first curated theatre production, Hah! Bumhug, a Christmas show that began with us and has continued to grow.
Edgy. Funny. Gentle.
Berenice “Berry” Cruse
Berry is a performer, theatre maker and facilitator. As a freelance performer, she applied for a production development opportunity with intoBodmin and created GOLOW, a feel-good festive story about finding home, friendship and the light that guides us there.
Multicultural. Observing. A gatherer.
And, the person behind the advising, confidence wobbles and “what do I actually need?” moments -Mimi
Mimi works closely with artists to support their productions. What makes her especially good at this is that she is also a freelance performer and comedian.
She recognises the value of support because she knows the struggle. The planning and organising, the self doubt, and turning that idea into reality. All of it.
“We’re so open to ideas here… things happen because people approach us with ideas.”
That openness is a big part of the intoBodmin ecosystem. We use creativity to spark connections between artists, audiences and community.
We need more established theatre companies like Ha, Hum, Ah and The Lonely Clown Club to flourish because that also helps make space for emerging artists like Berry.
Ben and intoBodmin
Ben grew up in Cornwall, moved away, then returned to create something of his own: a theatre company rooted in creative freedom, pride, fun and making work that people can access.
When Ben met Fin in 2018, they quickly realised they cared about the same things: excellent theatre, local audiences, and the idea that brilliant work shouldn’t only happen somewhere else.
“I think we’ve got to create an environment where people can come and let their guard down, so they can access and enjoy art to its fullest.”
That shared belief has grown into years of co-producing work, including outdoor theatre at Cardinham Woods.
“There’s a reason why we do three weeks in Cardinham Woods, because we want people to have the access to come and see it.”
Working with Ben has helped intoBodmin grow our outdoor theatre identity, build confidence around ambitious work rooted in place, and create new community outreach around productions.
“Ben’s shows have allowed us to develop a new community outreach project, which connects community groups to the show. It’s so nice to have them feel part of something so great.”
— Mimi
Kesha and intoBodmin
Kesha is a seasoned performer, but Hah! Bumhug was her first curated theatre piece. Every new project brings its own unknowns, even when the artist knows exactly how to hold a room.
For Kesha, intoBodmin’s role was to listen, share resources, and take some of the boring-but-essential bits off her plate so she could focus on being brilliantly funny.
“It was really positive and really supportive. They sorted everything and all of the boring stuff out. I wish I could have that all the time.”
That kind of support isn’t always glamorous, which is probably why it matters. Marketing, planning, mentoring and practical problem-solving all help artists take creative risks without having to carry everything alone.
“It was surprising — not that many people had been there before. That’s what I was surprised at. It’s bringing people, telling people that The Old Library exists.”
Kesha changed us too. Her production encouraged us to invest in more in-house technical training for duty supervisors, so we can support more technically ambitious shows and make better use of our equipment.
“After Kesha, it made us want to have a bit more in-house tech training for our duty supervisors, so we can support more tech-heavy shows and use our tech to the best of its ability.”
— Mimi
Berry and intoBodmin
When Berry applied for the production development opportunity, she was still working out exactly what her show wanted to become.
That is a brave stage to share with other people. The idea is there, but it is still finding its shape.
“There was a lot of me figuring out what it is I was trying to do, and the intoBodmin team hearing what I was saying before I knew quite what I needed.”
“It was quite a smooth process, and I think that’s due to the intoBodmin team doing a lot of holding behind the scenes that maybe I wasn’t even aware of.”
With space, encouragement and practical support, Berry created GOLOW: a warm-hearted festive show about home, friendship and belonging.
The process helped her take the leap as a developing artist and gave her lasting confidence.
Berry and her team also helped us strengthen how we think and talk about access. Their openness about access needs reminded us how important it is to make support visible, practical and part of the conversation from the beginning.
“Berry and her team were great at keeping me aware of their access needs. It was really great to be reminded, making sure that we are more vocal and visible within our work with artists.”
— Mimi
A very Cornish way of making things happen
Alongside their individual stories, each artist spoke about Cornwall, community and the very particular spirit of making work here.
There is something very Bodmin, and very Cornish, about this way of working: practical, warm, slightly chaotic in the best way, and full of people deciding to make something happen together.
“We don’t take it too seriously, but we roll up our sleeves and do something about it. There is a hands-on quality to stuff in Cornwall.”
“I think Cornish theatre is something that’s in a world of its own. It’s quite a special thing to be a part of.”
What difference does it make?
From giving Berry the space to bring her ideas to life, to taking “the boring stuff” off Kesha’s plate, to working with Ben to make outdoor theatre more accessible in Cornwall, each artist needed something slightly different.
And because each artist needed something different, each one changed us in a different way too.
“They’ve all improved me. Each one has been my first time doing something like that, as they’ve been at different stages of their creative development. They’ve helped me understand different needs, ways of working and strengthened my adaptability.”
“I’ve learnt loads from all of them and it’s been an absolute privilege to support them.”
So yes, intoBodmin puts on events.
But before that, we make space.
Space for artists to try something brave.
Space for audiences to discover something new.
Space for Bodmin to feel proud of the creative work happening here.
And, as Nicole’s conversations with Ben, Kesha, Berry and Mimi show, the best creative relationships are never one-way. We support artists — and they change us too.
Got an idea you’d like to explore?
We’re always interested in hearing from artists, performers and creative people with an idea bubbling away. It doesn’t need to be perfectly formed. Sometimes the first step is simply starting a conversation.
Come and say hello. We’ll get the kettle on.