Carl Grose

Carl Grose is a prominent British playwright, actor, and theatre-maker known for his bold, imaginative storytelling and deep roots in ensemble theatre. He has been a key creative force in the internationally acclaimed Cornish company Kneehigh Theatre, where he spent over twenty-five years developing a rich body of work that blends myth, folklore, music, and physical theatre. Based in Cornwall, Grose has drawn on regional traditions and landscapes to create theatrical experiences that are both visceral and poetic.

Beginning his career as a performer, Grose quickly became a central figure in Kneehigh’s creative ensemble. He wrote and co-wrote numerous plays for the company, including Tristan & Yseult, Hansel & Gretel, The Wild Bride, The Tin Drum, Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and Other Love Songs), Ubu! (a singalong satire), Blast!, and Cymbeline. His work often reimagines classic tales through a contemporary lens, infused with humor, darkness, and emotional depth.

Outside of Kneehigh, Grose has collaborated with a variety of theatre companies across the UK. His writing credits include The Dark Philosophers and Never Try This at Home with Told by an Idiot, Faust for Vesturport and the Young Vic, Oedipussy for Spymonkey, Wormy Close at Soho Theatre, and The 13 Midnight Challenges of Angelus Diablo for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His versatility as a writer allows him to move seamlessly between satire, tragedy, and farce.

Grose also wrote the book for The Grinning Man, a dark musical adaptation that premiered at the Bristol Old Vic before transferring to the West End. He has created site-specific works, family-friendly adaptations, and large-scale productions such as Robin Hood at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His work consistently explores the boundaries of traditional theatre, emphasizing theatricality, collaboration, and storytelling.

Carl Grose’s plays are marked by a dynamic blend of myth, comedy, and social commentary. Whether adapting ancient legends or crafting original tales, he brings a unique theatrical voice to the stage—one that champions creativity, risk-taking, and the power of ensemble storytelling. Through his work with Kneehigh and beyond, Grose continues to be a vital contributor to the landscape of contemporary British theatre.