Nikki Charlesworth is a Theatre Designer and Maker, (including puppetry design and making), Facilitator and recently turned Animator. Nottingham born and bred, Nikki works from her Nottingham home. After graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class Honours in Theatre Design, she was the winner of the Evening Standard Future Theatre Fund in 2021, and has since worked at the forefront of disabled-led theatre making, contributing to ground-breaking new work within the sector.

Her work as a designer has visited both theatres and unconventional spaces across the UK and internationally. Recent collaborations include Buxton Opera House, 1623 Theatre Company (current), as well as new translations and new writing for Night Train Theatre Company and Part of the Main.

Nikki also creates new work under Nikki Charlesworth Productions, with a nurturing focus on Puppetry, Health and Disability for young audiences, as Producer, Designer and Director. Shows have included “What Happened to You?”, which has toured extensively since creation in 2021, going to outdoor festivals, libraries, studio theatres and hospitals, both in the UK and in Canada, and The Luckiest Girl Alive, premiering in 2024 and visiting Nottingham, Derby and London.

As a Puppet Designer, Puppeteer and Animator, Nikki has worked continuously for Extraordinary Bodies. As Facilitator, Nikki has delivered workshops for numerous companies, including Hubbub Theatre Company, Spark Arts for Children, The Mighty Creatives, Young Creatives Nottingham plus many more. 

In addition to her creative work, Nikki also works as a Support Worker (SW) and holds a Level 6 in British Sign Language. It is a real joy when Nikki gets to use all her skills and experiences and work on Deaf and Disabled-led, bilingual work.

Testimonials:

“I can’t speak highly enough of Nikki and it has been gratifying seeing her development over the last few years. She is really talented, committed, enthusiastic and clear. On Splash!, as well as designing and working the puppets, she has taught the other performers how to animate them.” – Jamie Beddard, Actor and Director.

“Nikki is a talented maker and designer and we are delighted to be supporting her through PolkaLAB. Both thematically and aesthetically, Nikki is exploring new territory with the Children’s Theatre she is researching and creating.” – Peter Glanville, Artistic Director, Polka Theatre.

To get in touch or enquire about availability, contact Nikki on:

+44 7900384502 | NCharlesworthProductions@gmail.com