Meet the Trustees | Joanna Randall
Today on 'Meet the Trustees' we welcome the lovely Joanna Randall, founder of award-winning PR company Purplefish. We're talking yoga, uncomfortable theatre seats and the enduring power of storytelling!
How did you get involved with Insane Root?
I spoke to Vanessa our Chair and she suggested that I should apply to be a trustee based on my experience in communications, the arts and entertainment sectors.
Tell us a bit about your background?
I have worked in public relations and communications for over 25 years. I love working with such a variety of businesses and organisations – helping them grow and telling their stories. I have run my own agency, (Purplefish) for ten years.
What is the best piece of theatre you’ve ever seen?
I can’t really pick a best piece but three very memorable pieces would be: seeing a modern take on a Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory – I loved the intimate environment, the cast was refreshingly diverse and the humour they injected was brilliant.
I saw Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in London’s West End when it first opened. Musical theatre is not normally my go-to but I was bowled over by the fact that it is based on the true story of a boy from Sheffield who dreams of being a drag queen – it’s very apt for our times.
I took my children to see The Little Match Girl a few years ago at Christmas at the Bristol Old Vic – they complained about the uncomfortable seats and couldn’t see well at the time – but to this day they still recount the experience which made them focus on issues relating to homelessness and deprivation. I love socially conscious theatre. The production also used the talents of a puppeteer – we were all enthralled.
Have you found any positives from the experience of 2020 – any new hobbies or skills?
Not knowing the pandemic was about to hit in January 2020 I signed up to do a yoga teacher training course. Something which I had been wanting to do for many years. It has been my saviour during the pandemic and given me a renewed view of the world as well as a sanctuary away from some tough times.
Although not officially a new hobby it has now become firmly embedded in my way of life as opposed to a weekly class. I am leaning about anatomy and yoga philosophy and it’s a whole new world!
What is your favourite season?
I have an August birthday and I just love the summer but not sure I actually have a favourite season. I like the ebb and flow of seasonal change.
What three items would you take with you to a desert island?
· A penknife (I have listened to Bear Grylls!)
· My yoga mat
· A good book (preferably a long one) I would have said my Kindle but a power source could be an issue!
What is one thing you are really bad at?
Being patient. I am a ‘doer’ and like to get on with things.
What are you most looking forward to as a trustee of Insane Root Theatre CIO?
I love live performance and enjoy immersing myself in anything creative so I am looking forward to working with the Insane Roots team and see their amazing imaginative ideas come to life. After such a touch time for the world we are all craving new experiences and that’s really exciting.
