James Thierrée is one of Europe’s most extraordinary and versatile artists who uses his immense talent to create magical dream-like spectacles that captivate, charm and inspire.

Born to parents Victoria Chaplin and Jean-Baptiste Thierrée, James made his theatrical debut, aged four, in his parents’ companies Le Cirque Bonjour and Le Cirque Imaginaire with whom he toured worldwide. In 1998 he established his own company choosing his childhood nickname Hanneton (which translates as June bug, a type of beetle) as the title and created his first work, The Junebug Symphony.

James Thierrée’s creations are not bound by any one nationality but anchored in every nationality. His inspiration comes from his travels, his encounters with performers and the crossing of cultures. Compagnie du Hanneton has become an international company that has taken more than 20 years of creation to all five continents.

Crying Out Loud and James Thierrée

Crying Out Loud has long been associated with James Thierrée and Compagnie du Hanneton, helping to build his reputation on the international circuit even before his work gained awareness in France. 

Crying Out Loud’s artistic director introduced James Thierrée to the UK in 2000 when she presented The Junebug Symphony at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall followed by a run at Lyric Hammersmith the following year. This was all prior to the establishment of Crying Out Loud as a company. Subsequently we have played a significant role in presenting and co-commissioning James Thierrée’s work in collaboration with London’s Sadler’s Wells and the Barbican, as well as internationally.