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!

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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.