ACTING/DRAMA:
Although I was occasionally involved in technical assistance at school, especially in design and stage management at secondary school, I didn't really get involved in theatre and drama until about 1978 when I joined the Young People's Theatre Scheme (Activists Youth Theatre) at the 'Royal Court Theatre' in London after being stimulated, excited and motivated by seeing 'Class Enemy', a play by Nigel Williams which featured young London actors, particularly Phil Daniels, and also after meeting Gerald Chapman (the Youth Theatre Director) which really inspired me.
After spending time with the 'Activists Youth Theatre' involved in acting, technical support and editing their newsletter; and regularly working part-time as an usher at the 'Royal Court Theatre', I decided to go to 'Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama' on their 'Community Theatre Arts' course for three years (1980-83).
Just before leaving drama college in 1983, I secured my 'Equity' card by joining a season at the 'Palace Theatre' in Redditch, followed by various professional work on and off afterwards, including as a drama leader, and involvement in and around 'Equity', especially in related theatre and arts campaigns.
Even though over a number of years I began to move away from working full-time in professional theatre to work as a trainer in HIV/AIDS and health promotion (which my drama, theatre and performance background has helped), I have occasionally performed in some good parts and plays in a major local theatre, spoken word events, and enjoy writing.
ACTING/DRAMA/THEATRE EXPERIENCE:
'Cabaret' - Design and Stage Management Team in this Kander/Masteroff/Ebb musical drama ('Elliott Comprehensive School', London, 1978).
'Metropolitan' - A devised play around life in London, scripted/directed by Tony Allen & Ken Robinson ('Royal Court Theatre' , Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1978 and Brighton).
'Blame It On The Boogie' - A play by Gilly Fraser, directed by Les Waters & John Dale ('Royal Court Theatre Upstairs', London, 1978).
'Let's Hear It For The Deaf Man' - A play about the human and social experience of deafness, devised & directed by Peter Cox ('Royal Court Theatre', Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1979).
'The Worlds' - The London Premier of Edward Bond's play, directed by Edward Bond with Peter Cox ('Royal Court Theatre Upstairs', London, 1980).
'Baby Talk' - A play by 'punk poet' Patrik Fitzgerald, directed by Tim Fywell, involved as Production Manager and Sound Operator ('Royal Court Theatre', Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1980).
'Macbeth' - Playing the part of Macbeth in this powerful, exciting and atmospheric adaptation of Shakespeare's play, directed by Bernard Goss ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Teendreams' - Playing Colin & Gary in this play by David Edgar with Susan Todd against the background and growth of the Women's Movement, directed by Robin Samson ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Theatre-In-Education Programme' - A company devised adventure participation programme for 6-8 year olds, attached to 'Theatre Foundry Theatre Company', touring Walsall Infant Schools, directed by Jim Bywater ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Always the Bridesmaid' - A play around personal relationships and attitudes, directed by Libby Mason ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Twelve O'Clock and Still No Dick' - A lively pantomime style company devised show based around life in London and the housing crisis, directed by Dave Gittings, aka 'Red Stripe' from 'The Flying Pickets' ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Take It Like A Man!' - A self-devised one-person play examing the ways boys traditionally tend to be brought up and expected to be, portraying a young man who joins the Army dreaming of better things to come. He eventually realise things aren't as they seem and starts to question, which toured London venues, directed by Sue Colgrave ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'The Balcony' - A movement-based exploration of Jean Genet's play, directed by Anna Furse and Jess Curtis ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' - Bertolt Brecht's play with music ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Palace Theatre, Redditch - Summer Festival' - Shopping Centre & Street Theatre activities and Theatre-based workshops ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'The Latest Discovery Show' - A performance for 6-11 year olds using lights, music, movement, dance and song, based around working together, co-operation and trust, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Taste of Honey' - Geoff in Shelagh Delany's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Teendreams' - Colin and Trisha in a play by David Edgar with Susan Todd, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Borderline' - Farouck in Hanif Kureishi's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Gregory's Girl' - Phil and Steve in Bill Forsyth's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Aladdin' - Playing Aladdin in this traditional family Christmas & New Year pantomime, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Diary of a Rat' - A play from Alain Harte's novel set in Nazi-occupied Paris during world War Two, directed by Michael Almaz ('Cafe Theatre', London, 1984).
'The Marquise' - Playing Miquel in a comedy by Noel Coward set in the 1920s, directed by John Holloway ('New Inn Theatre', London, 1984).
'Sellout' - A new play by Philip Hawthorne around gain, loss and greed, directed by Philip Hawthorne ('Finborough Theatre', London, 1985).
'Landmarks' - A play with music and song around land, land ownership and land usage through history and today ('Commonwealth Institute Theatre' & 'Labour Land Campaign' National Conference at the 'Greater London Council', County Hall, London, 1985).
'Love Songs for Peggy Grodinsky' - A play by Bryan Willis with music ('Riverside Studios', London, 1985).
'Taken Out' - A play by Greg Cullen around the Falklands War, involved as fitness training advisor ('Spark Theatre Company', London, 1986).
'Hamlet - or Nosmo King and the Case of the Fagged Out School Kids' - Playing 'Superman' in a specially devised production for 'National No Smoking Day' ('Leicester City Council, Environmental Health Department, Health Promotion Unit, Leicester, 1989).
'Blue Remembered Hills' - John in Dennis potter's play, directed by Stephanie Liggins ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1995).
'Outside Edge' - Kevin in a comedy by Richard Harris , directed by Lynn Moore ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1997).
'A Streetcar Named Desire' - Stanley Kowalski in a play by Tennessee Williams, directed by John Ghent ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1999).
FILM/TV/VOICE-OVER:
'Breakthrough' - Voice-over artist for an audio-visual presentation at an 'Inner London Education Authority' and 'Greater London Council' Youth Event (London, 1985).
'Sanctuary' - A film drama by Stephen Lowe, directed by Paul Harrison and Andy Metcalf ('Newsreel Ltd' for Channel 4 TV, 1984).
'BLAT' ('BBC', 1986).
'Game, Set and Match' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Floodtide' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Every Breath' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Me and My Girl' ('LWT' TV', 1986).
'Me and My Girl' ('LWT TV', 1986).
'First & Last' ('BBC', 1989).
'Closing Numbers' (Specialist script advisor regarding HIV & AIDS issues and provider of training & consultancy for cast & production crew regarding HIV and a specific scene for the film - 'Arden Films', 'Channel 4 TV', 1993).
OTHER PERFORMING:
Occasional own songs and spoken word poetry at pubs & clubs, including more recently ‘Find The Right Words’ spoken word event at ‘Upstairs at the Western’ pub, Leicester.
Although I was occasionally involved in technical assistance at school, especially in design and stage management at secondary school, I didn't really get involved in theatre and drama until about 1978 when I joined the Young People's Theatre Scheme (Activists Youth Theatre) at the 'Royal Court Theatre' in London after being stimulated, excited and motivated by seeing 'Class Enemy', a play by Nigel Williams which featured young London actors, particularly Phil Daniels, and also after meeting Gerald Chapman (the Youth Theatre Director) which really inspired me.
After spending time with the 'Activists Youth Theatre' involved in acting, technical support and editing their newsletter; and regularly working part-time as an usher at the 'Royal Court Theatre', I decided to go to 'Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama' on their 'Community Theatre Arts' course for three years (1980-83).
Just before leaving drama college in 1983, I secured my 'Equity' card by joining a season at the 'Palace Theatre' in Redditch, followed by various professional work on and off afterwards, including as a drama leader, and involvement in and around 'Equity', especially in related theatre and arts campaigns.
Even though over a number of years I began to move away from working full-time in professional theatre to work as a trainer in HIV/AIDS and health promotion (which my drama, theatre and performance background has helped), I have occasionally performed in some good parts and plays in a major local theatre, spoken word events, and enjoy writing.
ACTING/DRAMA/THEATRE EXPERIENCE:
'Cabaret' - Design and Stage Management Team in this Kander/Masteroff/Ebb musical drama ('Elliott Comprehensive School', London, 1978).
'Metropolitan' - A devised play around life in London, scripted/directed by Tony Allen & Ken Robinson ('Royal Court Theatre' , Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1978 and Brighton).
'Blame It On The Boogie' - A play by Gilly Fraser, directed by Les Waters & John Dale ('Royal Court Theatre Upstairs', London, 1978).
'Let's Hear It For The Deaf Man' - A play about the human and social experience of deafness, devised & directed by Peter Cox ('Royal Court Theatre', Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1979).
'The Worlds' - The London Premier of Edward Bond's play, directed by Edward Bond with Peter Cox ('Royal Court Theatre Upstairs', London, 1980).
'Baby Talk' - A play by 'punk poet' Patrik Fitzgerald, directed by Tim Fywell, involved as Production Manager and Sound Operator ('Royal Court Theatre', Activists Youth Theatre, London, 1980).
'Macbeth' - Playing the part of Macbeth in this powerful, exciting and atmospheric adaptation of Shakespeare's play, directed by Bernard Goss ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Teendreams' - Playing Colin & Gary in this play by David Edgar with Susan Todd against the background and growth of the Women's Movement, directed by Robin Samson ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Theatre-In-Education Programme' - A company devised adventure participation programme for 6-8 year olds, attached to 'Theatre Foundry Theatre Company', touring Walsall Infant Schools, directed by Jim Bywater ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Always the Bridesmaid' - A play around personal relationships and attitudes, directed by Libby Mason ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Twelve O'Clock and Still No Dick' - A lively pantomime style company devised show based around life in London and the housing crisis, directed by Dave Gittings, aka 'Red Stripe' from 'The Flying Pickets' ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Take It Like A Man!' - A self-devised one-person play examing the ways boys traditionally tend to be brought up and expected to be, portraying a young man who joins the Army dreaming of better things to come. He eventually realise things aren't as they seem and starts to question, which toured London venues, directed by Sue Colgrave ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'The Balcony' - A movement-based exploration of Jean Genet's play, directed by Anna Furse and Jess Curtis ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' - Bertolt Brecht's play with music ('Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama', 1980-83).
'Palace Theatre, Redditch - Summer Festival' - Shopping Centre & Street Theatre activities and Theatre-based workshops ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'The Latest Discovery Show' - A performance for 6-11 year olds using lights, music, movement, dance and song, based around working together, co-operation and trust, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Taste of Honey' - Geoff in Shelagh Delany's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Teendreams' - Colin and Trisha in a play by David Edgar with Susan Todd, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Borderline' - Farouck in Hanif Kureishi's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Gregory's Girl' - Phil and Steve in Bill Forsyth's play, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Aladdin' - Playing Aladdin in this traditional family Christmas & New Year pantomime, directed by Patrick Masefield ('Palace Theatre', Redditch, 1983).
'Diary of a Rat' - A play from Alain Harte's novel set in Nazi-occupied Paris during world War Two, directed by Michael Almaz ('Cafe Theatre', London, 1984).
'The Marquise' - Playing Miquel in a comedy by Noel Coward set in the 1920s, directed by John Holloway ('New Inn Theatre', London, 1984).
'Sellout' - A new play by Philip Hawthorne around gain, loss and greed, directed by Philip Hawthorne ('Finborough Theatre', London, 1985).
'Landmarks' - A play with music and song around land, land ownership and land usage through history and today ('Commonwealth Institute Theatre' & 'Labour Land Campaign' National Conference at the 'Greater London Council', County Hall, London, 1985).
'Love Songs for Peggy Grodinsky' - A play by Bryan Willis with music ('Riverside Studios', London, 1985).
'Taken Out' - A play by Greg Cullen around the Falklands War, involved as fitness training advisor ('Spark Theatre Company', London, 1986).
'Hamlet - or Nosmo King and the Case of the Fagged Out School Kids' - Playing 'Superman' in a specially devised production for 'National No Smoking Day' ('Leicester City Council, Environmental Health Department, Health Promotion Unit, Leicester, 1989).
'Blue Remembered Hills' - John in Dennis potter's play, directed by Stephanie Liggins ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1995).
'Outside Edge' - Kevin in a comedy by Richard Harris , directed by Lynn Moore ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1997).
'A Streetcar Named Desire' - Stanley Kowalski in a play by Tennessee Williams, directed by John Ghent ('Little Theatre', Leicester, 1999).
FILM/TV/VOICE-OVER:
'Breakthrough' - Voice-over artist for an audio-visual presentation at an 'Inner London Education Authority' and 'Greater London Council' Youth Event (London, 1985).
'Sanctuary' - A film drama by Stephen Lowe, directed by Paul Harrison and Andy Metcalf ('Newsreel Ltd' for Channel 4 TV, 1984).
'BLAT' ('BBC', 1986).
'Game, Set and Match' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Floodtide' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Every Breath' ('Granada TV', 1987).
'Me and My Girl' ('LWT' TV', 1986).
'Me and My Girl' ('LWT TV', 1986).
'First & Last' ('BBC', 1989).
'Closing Numbers' (Specialist script advisor regarding HIV & AIDS issues and provider of training & consultancy for cast & production crew regarding HIV and a specific scene for the film - 'Arden Films', 'Channel 4 TV', 1993).
OTHER PERFORMING:
Occasional own songs and spoken word poetry at pubs & clubs, including more recently ‘Find The Right Words’ spoken word event at ‘Upstairs at the Western’ pub, Leicester.