An interactive performance-lecture by J Spooner
Available for booking through 2026
What Is The Show?
Shell: The Story of Oil tells the history of Shell as the story of oil, capitalism and climate breakdown.
From a library of postcards, short chapters are picked by the audience – like a “choose your own adventure” – as artist-turned-lawyer J Spooner tells an epic story crossing centuries and continents, bringing junk shops, oil fields and courtrooms to vivid life. Blending theatre, storytelling and law, the show makes urgent, complex issues vivid and accessible. Every performance is different, powered by audience choice, and leaves people with both knowledge and stories to share.
Who Is The Artist?
For 25 years J made new work as a founding artist with Unlimited Theatre, collaborating with scientists and researchers on stories of quantum physics, space exploration and human enhancement technologies, touring extensively in the UK and internationally. In 2023 J had the most boring midlife crisis ever: literally running away from the circus, to retrain as a human rights lawyer. Newly graduated (top of their class) as a Master of Laws, J now combines storytelling with law to fight the climate crisis and hold those responsible to account.
What Is The Format?
• Length: 45-90 minutes.
• Extended: 90–120 minutes with Q&A or workshop.
• Option for local ‘special guest’ segment.
• Touring: one performer, minimal tech (screen/projection, microphone)
What Are The ‘Hooks’ for My Audience?
• Theatre meets investigative journalism: participatory, surprising, urgent
• Big global issues made human-sized, engaging and shareable
• Every show is unique through audience choice and participation
• Perfect for: festivals, universities, arts centres, conferences, climate events.
For more information or booking requests, please contact me.