Q&A with Rachel Barnett-Jones, Writer of The PEA and the Princess
5th March 2025Sam, a member of our Young Ambassadors Scheme ‘Younger Voices’ spoke to Rachel Barnett-Jones, writer of the brand-new The PEA and the Princess to find all about the show.
Why is the title of the show ‘The PEA and the Princess’ rather than ‘The Princess and the Pea?
Oh, that’s a lovely question! We decided to call it ‘The PEA and the Princess’ rather than ‘The Princess and the Pea’ to make sure it didn’t get mixed up with another show that was happening at another theatre in London. We wanted our show to have its own special name!
Why is there a pea on the TV?
Ah, that’s a little secret we want you to discover when you come to see the show! We wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise for the audience! Let’s just say, it’s a very very important pea!
Did the queen put a pea under the bed in your story?
Yes! In our version of the story, the queen definitely puts a pea under the bed. It’s a very important part of the story – both the original one and our version!
Why is there a library in your show?
Well the show is all about stories and books. So I wanted to set it in the library so that we could have lots and lots of books in the show! And because it’s the Prince’s favourite place to spend the day.
Why were there 2 rabbits with the queen following her everywhere?
Those two cheeky rabbits! They are a little nod to those wonderful Disney Princess films we all love. We thought it would be fun to have them following the princess around, just like in the classic stories! But there’s a bit of a twist that anyone who comes to see the show will find out!
Why was there a spinning wheel in your show?
The spinning wheel was another little nod to another fairytale. It’s also quite an emblematic image. It just felt like the right touch for our story.
Why did you want to be a writer?
I think I was just born to be a writer. It’s something I’ve always needed to do and it’s just how I see the world. I’ve been writing stories ever since I was about five years old, and I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What is your advice for writing stories?
If you have an idea, write it down! Don’t let it slip away. It’s so important to capture sparks of inspiration.
Are you going to bow at the end of your show?
Sadly writers don’t usually get a chance to bow at the end of the show. But I will imagine myself doing a little dance on stage with the amazing performers!
Why do the actors fistbump you at the start of the show?
That’s our way of welcoming everyone into our story. We want you to feel like you’re part of the adventure, and that the actors are inviting you in to listen to their story.
Why does the princess say she wants a book about brave princesses?
Our princess wants a better story for herself, one where she’s brave and takes charge, just like she does in real life. She’s looking for a story that really reflects her spirit and experience.
Did you like writing stories when you were a little kid?
Yes, absolutely! I loved writing stories when I was a little kid. I would spend hours and hours writing plays and stories and poems. I’ve always been a writer. And I hope that the Pea and the Princess encourages other people to write their own stories too.