We heard from a handful of the companies bringing their shows to town…

Jellyfish by Intrepid Ensemble from July 9 to 11

What the programme says: “Originally composed music, puppetry and visual storytelling blend to tell a personal and adventurous story of parenthood, mental health and the power of the imagination.”

Intrepid Ensemble’s artistic director Matthew Woodford said: “Jellyfish, which we are premiering at IYAF, looks at parental mental health through the eyes of a child. Research shows that families still see mental health as a ‘nonversation’, so we wanted to use theatre to change that. Despite the important topic, the show has a strong sense of fun and adventure which will appeal to the whole family.

“The show is a portrait of the bond between a family and a jellyfish. Young Tom lives by a lighthouse with his mother and father. After a difficult year, it soon becomes clear that they’re sharing their home with a stranger: a gigantic glowing jellyfish. Can the family learn to live with the animal in their attic?”

Who is your target audience?
The show is for children, young people and adults with big imaginations. 

What is your audience to expect and what would you like them to be saying about your event?
Mental health is still a subject which has so stigma attached to it. We would hope that the show is a catalyst for families to have frank and honest discussions about their emotional wellbeing. 

How does it feel to be part of IYAF 2016?
It feels absolutely fantastic to be back to IYAF for the third year in a row. I made my first show at the festival, and it was a great springboard to the career which I now enjoy.

A Really, Really Big Modern Telly by Stokes and Summers from July 12 to 14

What the programme says: “A double bill of comedic plays simultaneously celebrating and condemning modern life… questioning what happens when the consumer becomes the consumed.”

Kate Stokes and Claudia Summers said: "Our show is a double-bill of comedy plays, interspersed with sketches, which explores narcissism, consumerism and the impact of technology on modern life. The first play is a modern retelling of the myth of Narcissus set in a self-help retreat. The titular play follows the ultimate consumer Echo as she is given a chance to be the star of her own favourite television shows."

Who is your target audience?

Our target audience is wide-ranging and we want to invite audiences of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our show. We've blended past and present entertainment forms and similarly the content and themes are relatable to everyone.

What is your audience to expect and what would you like them to be saying about your event?

We would like our audiences to have fun, to laugh and to be challenged. Our audience can expect a vibrant, lively mish-mash of entertainment, which we hope will provoke thought about the pros and cons of modern society and how our lives are impacted by consumerism and technology. We hope audiences will leave feeling thoroughly entertained! 

Tweelingual by Anne Mulleners, from July 9 to 17

What the programme says: “Using a minimalist set and lighting with costume design inspired by Bauhaus and De Stijl, the focus is placed entirely on the most important element of this performance art piece: language.”

Anne Mulleners said: “My performance/exhibition focuses on bilingualism and biculturalism, and what it's like to have to place yourself within another cultural frame of reference. I explore this theme and my personal connection to it through the use of poetry, photography, memories, my two languages and an exhibition format as my performance space.”

Who is your target audience?
My target audience is about 12 years and over, due to the use of a foreign language.

What is your audience to expect and what would you like them to be saying about your event?
To understand and perhaps experience fully what it is like to be torn between cultures, but also realise the beauty of it. I hope they can go out with a smile on their face, say it was very immersive and thoughtful, and most of all realise that a multicultural society is something to cherish.

For IYAF tickets and information call 020 81740090 or go to iyafestival.org.uk