
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this week’s episode, Emma sits down with author, performance artist, and original Laa-Laa, Nikki Smedley (@realtubbylaa).
Episode notes:
* The Role of Play in Childhood and Beyond
* Nikki shares her childhood experiences of imaginative play and independence.
* The connection between her early leadership in play and her later career in creating stories for performance.
* From Dancer to Teletubby
* Nikki's journey from running her own dance company to auditioning for Teletubbies.
* Insight into how dance discipline and humor influenced her comedic approach to performance.
* Creating the Magic of Teletubbies
* Behind-the-scenes details on the intentional design of Teletubbyland and the characters.
* The importance of consistency, safety, and playfulness in connecting with young audiences.
* Challenges of Fame and the Media Frenzy
* Nikki’s experience with intense media scrutiny and how the press targeted the cast.
* The emotional toll and unexpected challenges of being part of a cultural phenomenon.
* Impact on Children, Including Neurodivergent Audiences
* How Teletubbies became a safe and calming presence for autistic children.
* Nikki’s reflections on the long-term positive effects of the show.
* The Importance of Storytelling and Play
* A broader discussion on how storytelling and play are essential for human connection and creativity.
* Nikki’s views on the decline of live-action children’s entertainment and the cultural impact of storytelling.
* Confessions of a Teletubby
* Nikki’s one-woman show and how it brings humor and humanity to her Teletubby experience.
* Encouragement to support the arts and reflect on the role of stories in our lives.
*
Follow Nikki Smedley here to stay up to date with upcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/realtubbylaa/?hl=en
By Exploring the power of play in contemporary cultureIn this week’s episode, Emma sits down with author, performance artist, and original Laa-Laa, Nikki Smedley (@realtubbylaa).
Episode notes:
* The Role of Play in Childhood and Beyond
* Nikki shares her childhood experiences of imaginative play and independence.
* The connection between her early leadership in play and her later career in creating stories for performance.
* From Dancer to Teletubby
* Nikki's journey from running her own dance company to auditioning for Teletubbies.
* Insight into how dance discipline and humor influenced her comedic approach to performance.
* Creating the Magic of Teletubbies
* Behind-the-scenes details on the intentional design of Teletubbyland and the characters.
* The importance of consistency, safety, and playfulness in connecting with young audiences.
* Challenges of Fame and the Media Frenzy
* Nikki’s experience with intense media scrutiny and how the press targeted the cast.
* The emotional toll and unexpected challenges of being part of a cultural phenomenon.
* Impact on Children, Including Neurodivergent Audiences
* How Teletubbies became a safe and calming presence for autistic children.
* Nikki’s reflections on the long-term positive effects of the show.
* The Importance of Storytelling and Play
* A broader discussion on how storytelling and play are essential for human connection and creativity.
* Nikki’s views on the decline of live-action children’s entertainment and the cultural impact of storytelling.
* Confessions of a Teletubby
* Nikki’s one-woman show and how it brings humor and humanity to her Teletubby experience.
* Encouragement to support the arts and reflect on the role of stories in our lives.
*
Follow Nikki Smedley here to stay up to date with upcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/realtubbylaa/?hl=en