Elle While, Artistic Director of Pentabus Theatre Company, has been awarded a BAFTA in the Children’s: Scripted category for her direction of CBeebies As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe. This production, a vibrant adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tailored for young audiences, was broadcast on CBeebies and is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
In her acceptance speech, While expressed her enthusiasm: “I am absolutely buzzing. To get the chance to celebrate work that is created for the youngest of audiences, and to champion bringing the magic of live theatre to every household in the UK is truly a privilege.”
“To champion bringing the magic of live theatre to every household in the UK is truly a privilege.”
Elle While
A Director with a Vision for Accessibility
While’s BAFTA win is a testament to her commitment to making theatre accessible to all, particularly young audiences. Her work on As You Like It is part of a broader initiative to bring high-quality theatrical productions into homes across the UK, ensuring that children have the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance regardless of their location.
The production itself is a creative retelling of Shakespeare’s play, featuring familiar CBeebies personalities such as Andy Day as Archibald Forest, who threatens to turn the Globe into a skyscraper. The narrative unfolds as Shakespeare and his players attempt to change Archibald’s mind by staging As You Like It, highlighting the transformative power of theatre.
Pentabus Theatre Company: Championing Rural Stories
Pentabus Theatre Company, based in Shropshire, is renowned for its dedication to producing new work and touring it to rural communities across the UK. As the nation’s rural theatre company, Pentabus has a rich history of bringing contemporary productions to isolated areas, ensuring that high-quality theatre is not confined to urban centres.
Under While’s artistic direction, Pentabus has continued to innovate, particularly in the realm of digital theatre. In 2023, their production of Tom Powell’s The Silence and the Noise won Best Film and Best Actor at the Broadstairs International Film Festival and an Off West End Award for Best Online Production. Additionally, While directed DESTINY by Florence Espeut-Nickless, which was an Off West End Finalist. Both productions were co-produced with Rural Media, further emphasizing Pentabus’s commitment to accessible storytelling.
Engaging the Next Generation
Pentabus’s National Young Writers programme has also seen significant success, with digital shorts garnering over 500,000 views on TikTok alone. These initiatives not only provide platforms for emerging voices but also engage younger audiences in meaningful ways, fostering a new generation of theatre enthusiasts.
While’s dedication to accessibility extends beyond digital platforms. She directed Make Good: The Post Office Scandal, a musical adaptation of the real-life events surrounding the Post Office scandal, bringing this important story to village halls and theatres around the country. This production coincided with the success of Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which won Best Limited Drama at the BAFTA TV Awards, highlighting the public’s appetite for stories that resonate with contemporary issues.
“She’s a remarkable director whose commitment and passion for new and bold theatre shines through in everything she does.”
A Celebrated Career
Elle While’s career is marked by a series of acclaimed productions. She has directed numerous plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, including Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Wives of Windsor, As You Like It, and Hamlet. Her work on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time saw her serve as the revival director for its UK and international tour, as well as its West End run at the Gielgud Theatre.
Her diverse portfolio showcases her versatility and commitment to storytelling that reaches a wide range of audiences. Whether through traditional stage productions or innovative digital formats, While consistently brings compelling narratives to life.
Looking Ahead
As Pentabus continues to champion rural stories and accessible theatre, While’s BAFTA win serves as both recognition of her past achievements and a beacon for future endeavors. Her work exemplifies the power of theatre to educate, inspire, and unite communities, regardless of geography.
Pentabus Executive Director Verity Overs-Morrell, is certaily delighted. “We are absolutely delighted,” she says, “for Elle on this well-deserved BAFTA win. She’s a remarkable director whose commitment and passion for new and bold theatre shines through in everything she does.”
Well bravo Elle, and long live Pentabus!
Featured Image: Elle While, Vanessa Amberleigh and Anna Perowne with a member of the cast and crew poses with the Scripted Award for ‘CBeebies As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe’ inside the Winners Room at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 11, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA).
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