Parenting
A Perfect Fix For Confusion Of Balancing Work And Life
It’s undeniable that Tom Fletcher and his partner, the multifaceted figure, Giovanna Fletcher, have a myriad of responsibilities. From crafting his popular books, transforming them for the theater, composing music for the upcoming stage adaptation of Paddington, touring with McFly, to mentoring on this season’s The Voice, Tom certainly has a diverse array of commitments. But as we learned in our conversation with him, involving his children in his creative endeavors has been instrumental in managing it all.
“It’s a perpetual test and a disorderly lifestyle! I wish we possessed a mystical method of coordinating ourselves. It’s pure pandemonium, but we persevere, day after day. In theory, it shouldn’t function—many parents can likely empathize with that. Yet, I feel incredibly fortunate to have these incredible opportunities. I relish writing the books, and now seeing my works adapted for the stage and contributing to Paddington,” Tom grins, “there are so many enticing prospects that I’d be foolish to decline. So, it’s all about finding the way to manage that while striving to be the finest father I can be.”
Tom Fletcher: Transitioning from McFly to renowned writer
Evidently, he navigates this complex dynamic by intertwining his family with his profession, whether that involves going on tour or engaging his kids in brainstorming sessions for his books. “I’m genuinely fortunate that my children are genuinely enthusiastic about many of the projects I participate in. Hence, they get to partake in and revel in the excitement. It has essentially evolved into a sort of familial extravaganza, I suppose.”
While not all of us can bring our children to work (I doubt a workplace holds the same allure for children as hanging out backstage with McFly!), there’s significant value in incorporating our families and children into our personal passions. In various ways, we owe Giovanna gratitude for Tom’s journey into becoming an author. “Authorship was always a desire of mine. I was simply unsure of the process. I believe everyone possesses a tale worth recounting, yet not many grasp how to bring it to life. I kept expressing my desire to write a book, sharing my idea for it, and eventually my wife grew weary of my musings and declared, ‘well, no one will write it for you. You have to sit down and pen it.’”
Fortunately, for the ten million individuals who’ve acquired his books since then, he heeded her advice.
Tom Fletcher, writer: a collective pursuit within the family
Just like countless others, his children are some of his most ardent supporters– “I feel incredibly fortunate that they all appear to be fans, unless they’re just being kind to me!” he quips with a gleam in his eye. “Especially my eldest who delves into the middle-grade works. He’s grown alongside my books – my venture into writing picture books commenced shortly before his birth, thus I had the opportunity to read some to him. And now he’s devouring them – he surpasses me in book consumption.”
While his initial book, The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas, materialized before parenthood, his kids, Buzz, Buddy, and Max are now integral to the innovation process. “They serve as not just muses, they essentially dictate what I ought to pen, which is heartwarming. They’re quite resolute in guiding me on what I should pursue next.” Not only his offspring but also engaging with other kids he encounters contributes to his storytelling. “Engaging with children regarding their aspirations for narratives, or their enjoyment of my previous work, is immensely enriching. Often, their perspectives diverge from my expectations. I’ll unearth that they latch onto a particular subplot and its significance to them. I find that exceedingly valuable.”
As Tom has noticed, sharing these creative ventures with kids proves mutually advantageous. He comprehends firsthand the transformative impact of introducing children to creativity, and in his instance, the theater, from an early age. “During my formative years, I was fortunate to attend performances akin to There’s a Monster in Your Show. I recall witnessing Button Moon and Sooty at my local theater – modest productions, yet enchanting experiences. As I matured, I attended Joseph & his Technicolour Dreamcoat – my adoration for performing and musical theater was already ingrained, and I relished the spectacle. It marked my initial exposure to a grand West End production with child actors. This realization that children can partake in substantial performances as well resonated with me. It’s not solely for adults.”
“Then, a moment struck like lightning, and I knew, that’s my aspiration: to grace the stage.”
This sentiment is a source of pride for him regarding his recent adaptation – There’s a Monster in Your Show. As he aptly puts it, “one of my proudest achievements is that this might be a child’s initial exposure to theater. Our aspiration is for it to be an exceedingly enjoyable,
A Special Encounter in Your Performance
As Tom articulates, “the realm of theatre can at times appear like an exclusive, daunting realm, especially in youth. The norm dictates that we remain silent, observing without a sound.” He proceeds by expressing, “The Presence of a Creature in Your Presentation subverts the norm. Our aim is for you to feel free to engage, be vocal, stand up – this is your performance – you are actively participating in the unfolding events.”
Tom is on point – this is not your typical theatrical encounter, so put aside any concerns you may have regarding bringing young children to the theatre. Those familiar with Tom Fletcher’s, There’s a Monster in Your Book, will recognize that interacting with it is a delightful experience, allowing your child to direct the monster’s journey by manipulating, shaking, tilting, and spinning the book, even exclaiming at it. Tom was eager for the musical to exude that same liveliness and engagement with the story. “We aspired for the production to encapsulate the essence of that narrative where things go awry, necessitating your interaction to set them right once more, alongside the assistance of the Monster and the crew,” he beams.
He has firsthand knowledge of the delight small children derive from the show. While most only witness their creations being relished by family members or at preview performances, Tom had the opportunity to sit among the regular audience during a performance in the town where he was touring with McFly. “I had the chance to sit in an area towards the rear which I typically would not have access to, and observe it during a regular show rather than a press performance. It was truly heartwarming to see the experience through the eyes of those who come to revel in it at their local theatre.”
“Observing parents beaming as their children joyfully engage with the performance, singing and clapping in unison, is a heartwarming experience.”
This production caters to those young in age and young at heart. It’s a rare occasion to embrace childlike behavior and be audibly expressive, but There’s a Monster in Your Show offers the perfect opportunity. “I also derive immense pleasure from observing the adults. Just like with books, if a grown-up is fully engaged in the reading experience, it heightens the enjoyment for the child. I find the show to be quite similar. It has been a delightful experience witnessing the adults embracing the children’s actions. They almost take it more seriously than the kids themselves. Observing that unfold is truly enjoyable.”
It is this enthusiasm and childlike delight that Tom seems to infuse in every aspect of his endeavors and life – as he expresses, “it’s a life filled with chaos,” yet one senses he wouldn’t desire it any other way. From composing music and lyrics for the forthcoming Paddington: The Musical, scheduled to debut in London in 2025, to The Creakers scheduled at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and London’s South Bank Centre, to mentoring on The Voice, and penning his next literary work, he is indeed embracing the tumultuous beauty of life, and fortunately for us, we get to join him for the journey.
There’s a Monster in Your Show premieres in London at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith from Wednesday 14 August until Sunday 1 September 2024.
Image Source: insta_photos / Shutterstock
