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Shirley Bignell
Children's Fiction (Poetry)
Historical Fiction
Saga Fiction
Biography
 Shirley
was born in Guyana South America and grew up in London and Surrey.
As a musician, playing ‘cello, piano and double bass, she has worked
as a peripatetic teacher of lower strings, both privately and for
Lincolnshire and Suffolk County Councils.
She started Big Toe Audio Productions in 2000, long before the BBC
came up with a similar title. Her desire to perform stories is based
on a long involvement in local dramatics and educational projects,
acting, playing and writing.
Local stories
were suggested as a project and this developed into a fascination
with local dialect resulted in researching, writing and directing
plays based on local legends and folktales, and rapidly and
stressfully learning all that production entails. She enjoys history
and the background of each story is presented in text to accompany
the audio.
Shirley has gone back to her roots with ‘Talking Caribbean’, which
she produced and edited. The rhythms and language are a delight and
it is totally accessible to everyone. She is very aware of the many
people who would be introduced to and get pleasure from Caribbean
poetry if they could hear it for themselves, so has included a CD
with the anthology which includes all the poems read in the
authentic island dialects.
Music plays a part in everything Shirley presents and she gives
lectures based on her various productions. Her present project has
broadened into audio/ visual with a DVD for Education of dance
exercises.
Shirley moved to Suffolk in 1984 with her husband Clive and children
Alex and Gabby. She and Clive live in the village of Debenham.
You can find out more and purchase Big Toe Audio CD/Books on her
website
The publishing has been a family affair involving great support from
her husband Clive, illustrations by her daughter Gabby, graphics by
Howard Watkins, her brother in law and readings and narration
performed by her actor brother, Peter Davison.
Links
Big Toe Audio
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