I am a playwright, poet and writing facilitator from Derbyshire, based in Sheffield. My playwrighting practice blends a strong Midlands heart with a continued exploration of sexuality, belonging & ambition,
Professional theatre experience as writer/participation producer includes:
-       Bonfire (July 2022 at Departure Lounge Festival, and ACE-funded Winter Tour
2023): an ‘honest, brave and often sharply funny’ (Lyn Gardner) new play exploring the rural queer experience of growing up online, reclaiming queer identity and resisting shame. Received 2 4 star reviews and reached 400+ audience members at Derby Theatre, Sheffield Theatres & Nonsuch Studios, Nov 2023. Participation programme ‘SPARKS’ reached 105 people in East Mids/South Yorks, and piloted an LGBTQ+ youth theatre group in collaboration with Derbyshire LGBT+ and Derby Theatre.
-       The Fossil Kids (Sheffield Theatres' Playhouse, Jun 2023) A new comedy-drama
written for Sheffield People’s Theatres' 18-25 Young Company following a development process in collaboration with the cohort. Reached 300+ audience members.
-       kilburn (not london): an Arts Council England funded original audio drama
about care experience & queer rural identity developed with Plus One, Derbyshire LGBT+, supported by Boundless Theatre & New Perspectives Theatre Company. The accompanying participation programme developed the creative writing and advocacy of 300 care experienced, LGBTQ+ and rural young people in Derbyshire [Jan-May 2021]
-       Come To Where I Am Derby: Beau Repaire: monologue poem on place and home
commissioned by Paines Plough in partnership with Derby Theatre, video – (June 2020)
-       Below Decadence (Queer Folio 2023 Commission 2023, Amplify Festival 2024)
A comic reimagining of Sebastian from 'The Tempest' working on a present-day megayacht. The work in progress piece is part stand-up, part monologue, researched and developed with 1623 Theatre and through Sheffield Theatres’ Rolling Residencies.
-       in defence of adventurous mothers, (North Wall Arts Centre, Catalyst Apr 2023)
A comedy drama exploring sibling rivalry, ambition and what makes a good life. When Theo and Nancy’s Mum doesn’t return from an expedition, they must choose how to make the most of their lives – embracing the ordinary, or pursuing adventure. Supported by Derby Theatre and developed as a rehearsed reading at Omnibus Theatre 2025.
-       How Can I Help You?
A new comedy-drama exploring how we confront failure and shame, set in a rural petrol station in the East Midlands. Top 10 shortlist for the Kay Mellor Fellowship, Top 50 Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize and Top 10% for Channel 4 New Writers scheme.