October 2009..

It's been a busy month. Not least with my own theatre company, Reveal Theatre (www.revealtheatre.co.uk). We have been busy constructing various funding bids for our GAME ON initiative as well as new bids for national touring with ACE.

I've also been busy in a freelance capacity . Over the past 6 months I've been working with Sara Christie on developing a children's play which (fingers crossed) should be going into production in July 2010.... (watch this space!). I will be directing, but am working closely on the structure and writing of the piece too. Children's theatre is an artform in itself; and I still pray for those who see it as an 'easy' form of theatre. David Wood is my children's theatre hero- I'm sure we each have one. Yet, the balance between the visual and verbal; a strong narrative through-line, participation, orignal music, running times, characterisations and the nature of discovering a strong 'quest' or journey is not easy. I think we have a strong piece and it can build.

I'm also excited to be directing Beauty and the Beast for Stephen and Sarah Boden at IMAGINE Theatre this Christmas at Porthcawl... so get your tickets! http://www.grandpavilion.co.uk/ Great cast- great team- great production company with high production values www.imaginetheatre.co.uk

Back at Staffordshire University I'm guest lecturing on Acting, Directing and Directing Caryl Churchill's TOP GIRLS as well as directing at Manchester Met too. I thoroughly enjoy working with undergraduates at University and Drama Schools- it allows for me to reflect on my practice as well as feeding that into student's thinking.