Our story
The idea came about in a coffee shop somewhere in Copenhagen in 2007. Nathalie Johnston and Sue Hansen-Styles decided to start up a new theatre company that would produce small cast, professional English language theatre in Copenhagen. Later that year Why Not Theatre Company was born and our first production was staged in Prøvehallen, Valby.
Two more productions followed before Nathalie moved back to England. Sue then established Why Not Theatre Company as a formal entity with its own Board, and she became Artistic Director.
Since 2007 we have produced one full staged production per season and many smaller, pop-up productions in unusual locations, all the while growing our audiences and gaining a strong reputation for delivering quality theatre in English.
We have been lucky to have had the opportunity to play in some of Copenhagen’s best loved smaller theatres including the former CaféTeatret, Bådteatret (2012-2014), Teatret ved Sorte Hest from 2016 – 2023. We feel most at home in intimate spaces, where we can tell our powerful stories while getting close to our audiences.
We have the luxury of our own in-house writer, Tanja Mastilo, who has written several highly acclaimed plays and pop-up texts for us since 2015. We are proud to be able to attract and work with Denmark’s most talented English- speaking actors and Directors and a highly experienced, dedicated team of technical, creative and backstage people.
Our Vision & Mission
To produce powerful theatre that moves, inspires and engages
To produce small cast, professional theatre in English
To explore texts of high literary quality
To tell thought-provoking stories that hook our audiences
To create exceptional theatre that unlocks the emotions and inspires debate.
To earn critical acclaim and attract a broad audience
Our board
Henrik Hansen (Chairman) • Tanja Mastilo (In-house Writer) • Battista Severgnini (Treasurer) • Povl Christian Henningsen (Member – on leave)
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR and CO-FOUNDER
Sue Hansen-Styles
CO-FOUNDER
Nathalie Johnston
Why Not Theatre Company is grateful for generous support received since 2007 from:
A.P. Møller Fonden ⚫ Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansen Fond ⚫Beckett Fonden ⚫Brdr Hartmanns Fond ⚫Danske Dramatiker ⚫Ernst B Sund Fond ⚫ Hoffmann & Husman Fond Københavns Kommune Scenekunstudvalg ⚫ Knud Højgaards Fond ⚫Konsul Georg Jorck og Hustru Emma Jorcks Fond ⚫William Demant Fond ⚫ Wilhelm Hansen Fond ⚫ Tuborgfonden