Jude Simpson – Poet, wordsmith, performer
“A Noise Annoys” family show
Jude Simpson: A Noise Annoys
– a family show of spoken word, song and silliness.
Poet, entertainer and three-time national slam champion Jude Simpson performs an uplifting hour of playful poetry, silly songs and fun interaction for children aged 6+ and their families.
Bursting with quirky humour and witty wordplay, Jude takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through the sounds of languge and the language of sounds. From a song celebrating peanut butter sandwiches to a tongue twister about naming your pet badger, there is lots of joy, a healthy dose of nonsense, and a few heartfelt moments of beautiful hush.
“Jude Simpson is funny, sharp, emotional in her work and is a terrific performer. She needs to be seen and heard wherever possible.” – Michael Rosen, Poet and former Children’s Laureate
About the Show
Using poems, rhymes and tongue-twisters, with physical humour, improvised sounds and hilarious props, Jude finds the joy and annoyance in the things we hear. She asks questions like: Is it a noise that’s annoying, or the person making it? Do pingers ever ding? and Why is it so important to get your words in the order correct?
This is a show that will engage children with the spoken and written word, and leave them full of joy at the possibilities of language.
Reviews and opinions
“Simpson’s playful poetry is fantastically funny, and her love of language is infectious… For adults and children alike, it’s practically impossible to leave A Noise Annoys without a smile on your face!” – The Family Stage (for full review click here )
“A Noise Annoys really lifted my spirits in a way I wasn’t expecting. With well pitched puns, joyfully chaotic songs and poems that play, I was captivated the whole way through. My 9 year old kept giving me meaningful looks through his laughter so I enjoyed him enjoying it, and getting carried along with Jude’s brilliant energy and lyrical magic.” – Abbi Jinks for Bedford Today (for full review see here)
“ The show was full of whimsy and joy, and the audience – young and old – loved it.” – Elena, Festival Organiser
“A Noise Annoys is a really wonderful show for anyone but especially children and families. It delights in the joy of words, story and music, which Jude blends so skillfully to create a hugely enjoyable piece.” – David Durant, Associate Director, The Courtyard, Hereford
“Jude performed her show and ran a workshop for our disabled or neurodivergent performing arts students at Bedazzle… The show was fabulously fun for everyone – students especially loved the quirky music, and witty visual jokes alongside verbal puns. Some students compared the humour to Harry Hill or Dave Gorman, I would liken it to Victoria Wood and Pam Ayres, but I think it’s clear that Jude stands out as an impressive, hilarious entertainer, as well as a kind, inquisitive workshop facilitator” – Chloe – drama tutor, Bedazzled Arts
“A cross between Nick Cope and Miranda!”
“Witty, engaging, fun, imaginatively clever.”
“I loved it! Great poetry and audience interaction!”
“Very sensory. Fun with jokes. Educational and immersive.”
“I loved how interactive it was, making poetry more accessible to a young audience”
– Audience members at “A Noise Annoys”
Available for touring
“A Noise Annoys” has been touring since May 2025, and is available for programming until May 2026. Please see the Tour Pack below for details, and contact me if you are interested or would like more information. There is a possibility that the festive version of the show (“A Noise Annoys at Christmas”) may be available to schools and theatres for touring during December 2026. This is currently under discussion, so please do get in touch for more information if you think you might be interested.
TOUR PACK
Click the picture below to download the Tour Pack, which contains information about booking “A Noise Annoys,” including tech spec, links, description, accessibility, blurb and extras.
Credits and Collaborators
“A Noise Annoys” is written and performed by Jude Simpson. It was first developed at Cambridge Junction Theatre, where Jude is part of Artist Development Programme TROOP, and benefits from the support of Matt Burman, Artistic Director and CEO, and Cath Willmore, Artist Development Producer, among others. The show was supported to be tour-ready by Peterborough Key Theatre’s “Key Seeds” scheme, and Jude continues to be an Associate Artist at the Key, where she works with Talent and Participation Lead George Barnett and Director Sonny Nwachukwu, among others.
The following people helped create and represent the show:
If you have already booked the show, you might find these useful:
POSTER
Click the picture to download the poster, or contact me if you would like an editable photoshop poster, where you can add your own event details.
PROGRAMME IMAGE
Click the picture to download the programme image, or contact me for one in landscape or square
PRODUCTION IMAGES
Click an image to download for use in marketing, programme, mailshots, website, etc..
If you need higher resolution images, please contact me. Please credit all photos
to Claire Haigh.
