Our Story...
Once upon a time, a theatre-maker met a therapist. It turned out they had a lot in common. First and foremost, they both believed in stories. They knew that the tales people tell about their lives and experiences can be a rich source of insight and possibility. If you listen carefully enough.
They also knew that the world was in pretty bad shape, and that a lot of people didn’t know what to do about it. So they dreamed up a place called Vesper Hill – a place to gather and talk about what’s happening.
Think of us as meeting around a campfire – and just listening to each other. We’ll need to talk honestly about uncertainty, and anger, and grief, and injustice. But we’ll also need to laugh and play and sing. Just to celebrate being alive.
Maybe you’ll join us there?
Vesper Hill was founded as a social enterprise in 2022, by Steve and Angel Scott-Bottoms. Our practice builds directly on Steve’s extensive work, over the previous decade, as a researcher and theatre-maker on projects including Multi-Story Water and the UK Climate Resilience programme.
It became clear, through this work, how valuable a tool storytelling can be—particularly within the environmental and organisational contexts Steve was exploring. Angel was struck, in particular, by the therapeutic benefits that clearly arose for those who felt recognised and listened to by this work.
Vesper Hill was thus founded as a meeting place for our complementary passions and expertise. In fact it is named, quite literally, after the hill where we met. But we’re pleased to say that other collaborators have now joined us on this hill. In fact, we’d like it to be a party.
We’d also like it to be a prayer. ‘Vespers’ is an old term for evening prayers. It’s a word that asks for quiet reflection – and perhaps confession – in the evening of the world we’ve known until now.
Steve Scott-Bottoms
Storyteller-in-Chief. Steve has three decades of experience as a theatre-maker, workshop facilitator, and researcher. Having previously taught in Glasgow and Leeds, he is currently Professor of Contemporary Theatre and Performance at the University of Manchester, UK. Steve is the author of several books and numerous scholarly articles, often working in the gaps between disciplines. For the last decade, he has been exploring water and climate issues through performances built from direct engagement with communities and professional stakeholders. Steve is an Associate of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
Angel Scott-Bottoms
Managing Partner. Alongside her work at Vesper Hill, Angel provides ecocentric counselling and psychotherapy services in her private practice in south Manchester. She is also an experienced business coach and trainer who has owned and managed companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Connect with Angel on LinkedIn
Simon Brewis
Creative Associate. Simon is a theatre director and dramaturg who specialises in developing storytelling shows for grownups, using larger-than-life conventions. He has made performances for theatres, boats, tabletops, and more, and has worked with Steve for more than a decade on projects connecting social and environmental concerns. Simon also has extensive experience working with young people and community groups. He is currently completing an MA in Social and Cultural Theory at the University of Leeds.