Interview with deaf actor Katie Erich, who stars in an accessible production of The Gruffalo! (BSL)

A BSL translation will appear on this article shortly, thanks to Signly. This will be linked to the article shortly after publication. Please click on the signing hands icon at the bottom right side of the page to see it.

Hi Katie, for those who don’t know your work can you firstly introduce yourself?

My name is Katie Erich, I am a deaf actor from the Wirral. I work, mainly in theatre in both English and BSL. Aside from performing, I am a trained canine hydrotherapist, meaning I swim dogs for rehab after surgery or injury (definitely the most enjoyable non-performing career possible)

Congratulations on the role in The Gruffalo, did you know the story beforehand? What did you think of it? 

I did know the story of The Gruffalo beforehand, I was a huge Julia Donaldson fan growing up. I definitely think that it is a tale that lends itself well to BSL as there is so much space for visual storytelling.

Have you worked in a children’s production like this before?

I’ve never worked on a children’s production like this before, I did panto in Doncaster last year which definitely has similarities but I am pretty new to children’s theatre as a whole. This production is really unique as every line from the book has to be said and signed while also being mixed with additional dialogue, songs and some absolutely incredible costumes.

Regarding the use of sign in the show, who did you work with to ensure the translations are clear and accurate? Was the script translation process smooth?

Our associate director for the show is the wonderful, Emily Howlett who has been in the room most days and our BSL consultant has been Stephen Collins; between the two of them we have been able to create a really beautiful translation.

We did not have a translation week ahead of starting rehearsals so the majority of the translation has been done in the room, which at times has been a challenge but such a joy when a really clear and fun translation has been found.

How did you overcome any challenges in the rehearsal room?

As with most shows in BSL and English, I would say the biggest challenge has been making sure that Deaf and hearing audiences both have the same information in a fun way and no language is being thought of as the secondary language.

Generally, if the line is not being understood by the deaf actors on stage, we have reworked them to make them more clear or visual; or if there is a particular joke that only really works in one language, we make sure that there is an equally funny joke made for the other language so that no one is left out

It’s great to see The Gruffalo has a fusion of deaf actors using different communication methods (BSL/speech) along with a hearing actor using BSL, do you feel showcasing a range of communication methods is important for children to see?

I feel that showing children a range of communication methods is vital and having them on show for a young audience makes this range a lot more understood. Children are the next generation of theatre makers and political leaders, so normalising them seeing BSL is hopefully going to mean that for the next generation of Deaf people, the communication barriers that are currently there, won’t be.

I’d love to know more about you as a deaf actor who sings – how have you trained as a singer? What helps you or makes things easier? 

It hasn’t been easy. I am technically deafened, so grew up hearing music. I was also very lucky to learn the piano as a child so learnt to read music well. Now, when I learn a song, I rely mostly on muscle memory.

Finding the note on the piano, and then working out how it feels in by body, feeling the vibrations of instruments or on the floor to find the rhythm. I have also found bone conducting headphones really useful as I can feel the vibrations a lot better.

Back to The Gruffalo, what can audience members expect from the show? Are there any surprises to look out for?

It is great fun, a really great show for families and some really funny moments. There are a lot of little surprises to look out for – butterflies, nuts, a snake with some maracas.

What’s next for you? 

I have some time off next which is really nice after a very busy couple of months working away from home. I’m excited to get back to the sea, go on some lovely long walks with my dogs and spend sometime with my partner who I have seen once since August at this point.

Finally, do you have any advice or tips for young deaf budding actors?

See if there are any Deaf youth theatres locally that you could get involved in or join one of Deafinitely Theatre’s Youth Company Summer School (that was my first experience of performing in a Deaf led company and I learnt so much).

Watch as much as you can – television, film, theatre. Acting is fun, but it is also hard work, don’t make it your whole life or you will tire yourself out. What else do you enjoy doing? Learn the skill that you have always wanted to, hang out with your friends – life experience is really important.

Tall Stories is delighted to be premiering their new inclusive version of The Gruffalo, incorporating British Sign Language and visual storytelling, ensuring the much-loved tale can be enjoyed by everyone. To view dates and book tickets see here

You can meet the actors in this brief BSL video here