About Trisha Lee
Founder, storyteller, trainer, advocate for every child’s voice
I set up MakeBelieve Arts in 2002 with one clear belief: story has the power to change lives.
It certainly changed mine.
I grew up in a working-class, single-parent household, and I’ve seen first-hand how the skills learned through theatre can open doors. That might sound unusual – it’s not something most children in my position get to experience. But for me, it was life changing. Without those early experiences, I wouldn’t be doing the work I do now.
My mum was raised in a Dr Barnardo’s children’s home. A woman who couldn’t have children befriended her, and once a month took her to the theatre. She continued that with me and, despite money being tight, I was taken to the Bristol Hippodrome a couple of times a year.
Those shows lit a spark in me. They offered a glimpse into another world, one filled with imagination, emotion, and possibility.
At 9, a theatre in education company visited my school, and I knew immediately: this was what I wanted to do. By 16, my family situation meant I had to leave home. I was signing on the dole, still chasing that dream.
A placement with a theatre company helped me believe in myself again. They encouraged me to apply to drama school, even without A-levels. When the school initially refused to audition me, I created a theatre piece putting them on trial.
Eventually, they relented. At 19, I was accepted into Dartington College of Arts and I’ve never looked back.
My work
Before founding MakeBelieve Arts, I ran education and participatory programmes at London Bubble and The Albany Theatre. I’m a trained secondary drama teacher and hold an MA in Writing for Young Children.
I’ve written five books, including Princesses, Dragons and Helicopter Stories, and a series of picture books that explore issues that can arise in the early years classroom. I’ve co-authored four more publications, including Dramatic Mathematics, written with my colleague Isla Hill.
Over the years, I’ve delivered hundreds of training sessions and spoken at early years conferences across the UK and beyond. In 2018, I was the end-of-conference speaker at the NAEYC conference in Washington, DC. I’ve hosted a podcast series – Helicopter Stories: Growing Storytellers and appeared on both the Early Excellence and Talking Early Years podcasts.
But my happiest moments are always on the floor of a classroom, pen in hand, listening as a child dictates their story.
Why is storytelling so important to very young children?
Storytelling lets children know they matter.
I’ve seen it transform the most withdrawn child into someone who feels heard, who has their moment to shine.
That’s why I’m passionate about early years. It’s the time when a story can plant a seed, light a spark, and show a child their voice has value.
Too many children miss out on a story-rich life. Phonics gets prioritised over play. Formalised education creeps in too early. That’s not just a missed opportunity, it means too many children are set up to fail and are working in a way that is not age appropriate, that doesn’t support the way they need to learn.
Through Helicopter Stories, Story Steps, Poetry Basket, and Story Basket, I want every child to know they belong.
My vision
Right now, I’m especially excited about our SEND research group. We’re working with resource bases, inclusive classrooms, and specialist schools to ensure our programmes work for all children.
Vivian Gussin Paley
A huge part of my journey is thanks to Vivian Gussin Paley. Her friendship changed my life. She helped me understand the deep connection between stories and human relationships.
Vivian’s work showed me what young children are capable of when we take the time to truly listen to their words and hear their stories. That understand is at the heart of everything I do.
“Trust the child” became my motto because of her.
When I’m unsure, I still ask myself: What would Vivian say?
She taught me to be curious, to keep asking questions, and to honour the voice of every child.
It’s my mission to carry that work forward, and to make sure every child is heard.
