Fancy Long Legs: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind the Stage Magic

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Fancy Long Legs: Unveiling the Inspiration Behind the Stage Magic

We caught up with Rachel Burke, a designer, artist, and author behind the new children's book Fancy Long Legs. Currently being adapted for the stage by Little Red, the show will be performed at La Boite in September. Rachel’s creative journey spans various fields, blending her artistic vision with storytelling.

What is Fancy Long Legs about?

This show is about a creative spirit - Fancy Long Legs - who has so many wonderful ideas and talents but can not find a way to create a real life web. With the 'help' of her spiderling friends Incy, Busy and Charlotte, Fancy goes on a journey of self discovery to find her style and discover something new about about herself.

What is your creative process like?

When it comes to coming up with new ideas, I try to remain extremely open and attune to the little stories and moments of magic that present themselves in every day life. I am always writing things down and making little observations about things I'm seeing - and I really pay attention when one of those ideas continues to spark a little bit of excitement inside...this is when I know I'm onto something! The story of Fancy Long Legs is a good example of this process. One day when I was cleaning up my studio I crouched down to look underneath my craft cart (to give it a good sweep) but noticed a spider was living underneath, and that they had strung their web with the most amazing array of confetti dots and glittery bits. It took my breath away, and I couldn't stop thinking about what kind of spider might make something so beautiful...and then Fancy was born. This process is the same for the art I make - I get these little moments of a dream or a spark of inspiration, and I go about finding a way to bring it to life.

Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?

After I discovered the spider with a confetti web in my studio, I recall introducing the images on social media and referring to it as Fancy Long Legs. The Little Red Company's Artistic Director and Co-Founder Naomi Price (who I have known for some time through creating some costumes for her shows over the years) immediately loved Fancy, and over time I recall discussing with her the story that had developed as a result of my encounter. With a shared love of musical theatre, we ended up believing that the story (that I had ended up developing for a kid's book) would translate to a wonderful kid's musical show. We were also extremely excited that the show's message was aligned with our shared values of accessibility and inclusion, we really wanted to make a work that encouraged kids/people to embrace difference and see the value in it.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

A perfect audience member for me is a kiddo! I love the idea that this show could be a young child's first experience at the theatre, and that this experience will be one of accessibility, inclusion and celebrating difference and creativity! That being said, I also think parents and adults could also LOVE this show - I think there is something about self acceptance and exploration in this show that will really resonate with grown ups too.

How do you want people to feel after your show?

I want people to leave the show feeling inspired and excited to embrace their own true self and the true selves of the people / kiddos around them. I'd love them to also feel optimism, wonder, and a desire to crack the textas out and get scribbling about their feelings!

Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?

You simply MUST come to see it! I am also doing the set design and costumes for the show - so you can expect to see some razzle dazzle!