ABOUT ME

Based in Manchester & working across the UK, I’ve been joint Creative Director of Peoplescape Theatre since I first left Sheffield University.

 

A few years ago I was introduced as ‘Creative Consultant’ by a member of museum staff and, having struggled to explain my profession to friends and family for years, I decided to stick with it. Plus, I really like it. For me, it means using a variety of creative methods to explore an issue, idea, fact or theme which might otherwise be difficult to access or relate to. These methods include performance, applied theatre techniques, music, movement, puppetry, dance, visual art, crafts, games, creative writing, lego and more!

 

I strongly believe that everyone deserves the best possible quality of performance and experience.  People of all ages have different preferred learning styles and I like to use a wide variety of techniques in my workshops and performances; from puppets to flip charts, marble slabs to violins, dancing to debate and audience in-role as anything from fish to government officials. My work with children and adults with learning difficulties and special educational needs, people with English as an additional language and very young children has lead me to use a multi-sensory approach with all groups. I try to create an experience that stimulates an emotional response, inspires creativity and enables people to “make sense” for themselves. 

 

Theatre and performance are often identified by museums as entertaining and accessible ways to convey facts.  I agree that they are excellent at doing just that but, for me, the real power of drama lies in how we can use them to explore the complexity of a situation, of feelings, dreams and ideas.  So I use it for both.

 

In the past I have worked as Project Coordinator in the community development team of Age Concern Stockport, facilitator of a self-advocacy group for adults with learning difficulties and Telephone Counsellor for Childline.  Why do I mention this?  Because I think they show that enabling other people is really important to me.  So I always encourage people to participate and try to create an environment in which they feel comfortable to do so.

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