Visiting Drama Specialists
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is proud to host a wide range of visiting tutors and directors, allowing us to offer a more varied and wider experience for our students.
(Photo. Director Bill Alexander teaching Shakespeare)
Acting Specialists
Maibel Aitken. Acting Tutor
Mabel trained at the RSAMD. Her MA in Performance Making and Methodology from Goldsmiths University sparked an interest in teaching and Actor training. She has taught at East 15 and still teaches at BADA. As an actress her extensive theatre career includes productions at The Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse and Southwark Playhouse as well as many regional reps.
Emma Callander
Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Uncut and Associate Artist of the Traverse Theatre. Teaches: Acting, Text
Jacquie Crago
Jacquie has worked extensively in Voice at the National Theatre, RSC, Headlong. She works as an actor and director and leads workshops in drama schools, universities and theatres throughout the country. Teaches: Acting, Text
Chris Donnelly
Extensive credits with Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory. Other theatre work includes: Macbeth and Twelfth Night (US Tours), The Winter’s Tale (Southwark Playhouse), Edge of Darkness (No 1 Tour). Chris also has numerous screen (ITV, BBC, Channel 4) and radio credits (BBC Radio 4). Teaches: Acting, Text
John Hartoch
Previous Head of Acting Courses at the Theatre School. During his early career John acted in repertory at Coventry, Birmingham, Lancaster and York. John has also written a musical, several original plays and a number of adaptations, all of which have been successfully staged. Teaches: Acting, Text, History of Theatre
Andrew Hilton
Former Artistic Director and Founder of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory. During the early part of his career Andrew acted at the National Theatre and in the Bristol Old Vic company. Teaches: Acting, Text
Toby Hulse
Theatre maker, director and playwright whose work, whether scripted, devised or improvised, always has its roots in theatrical play. Toby has created work for theatres and companies across the UK, touring nationally and internationally. Teaches: Improvisation, Clowning, Adapts and Directs the Theatre-In-Education Spring Tour
Nancy Medina
Originally from Brooklyn, NY Nancy is a Genesis Future Director Award winner. At the end of 2017 she directed Yellowman at the Young Vic, London. Previous credits include productions at the Tobacco Factory, Rondo Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe. Teaches: Acting, Text
Chinonyerem Odimba
A playwright who has been shortlisted for many prestigious awards, Chinonyerem won the Sonia Friedman Productions Award 2018 for How To Walk On The Moon, written in association with Talawa Theatre under the Channel 4 Playwrights’ Scheme. Chinonyerem is also a director and recently directed The Words Are Coming Now (Theatre503). Teaches: Text
James Peries
James is a Director, Producer, Writer & Deviser for Theatre, Radio & TV Drama. Alongside his freelance work since 2013 James has been the Literary Associate at Bristol Old Vic. Previously James has worked for the BBC (Reader, Producer, Development Editor) and as the New Writing Manager at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Teaches: Script Development, Radio
Chris Scott
Previous Head of Acting. Chris has extensive stage, screen and radio credits. Chris appeared in a recent final year film to conduct a marriage, combining his acting skills and real life experience as a Vicar. Teaches: Acting, Text, Radio
John Walton
Artistic Director of Fol Espoir, the company has toured work across the UK including Jermyn Street Theatre in London and Edinburgh Fringe. John has also directed shows at Arts Centre Melbourne in Australia, Soho Theatre, Roundhouse London.Teaches: Acting, Text, Devising
Stuart Wood
Over 30 years of working in Drama Schools, Course Director of Professional Acting Diploma run by Boomsatsuma. Teaches: Acting, Text
Voice and Speech Specialists
Kate Firth
Kate had a career as an actor before training at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama as a voice coach. She has studied psychotherapy and applied linguistics; and also writes and performs her own poetry. For more than 20 years she has coached actors, broadcasters, and individuals and groups in organisations including the NHS and the corporate sector and in politics at the highest levels. Teaches: Voice and Dialect Coach
Gary Owston
Having been Senior Voice and Dialect Tutor at the School for 20 years we are glad Gary still works for us on a part-time basis and as well as teaching on our full-time acting courses he is Course Leader for our summer Foundation Course. He has taught in most of the top London Drama Schools, Southern Methodist University in Dallas and The Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis. He also teaches at Boomsatsuma and is Director of the Bristol Acting Academy. Teaches: Voice and Dialect Coach
Joel Trill
Joel worked as an actor (RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe, BBC) before training as a voice coach at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where he gained an MFA in Voice Studies. Joel works regularly as a voice over artist in animation, corporate media and commercial projects. Teaches: Dialect Coach
Amanda Carr
Amanda is a freelance Speech and Language Therapist and presents our annual ‘Vocal Health and Sustainability’ lecture. Prior to setting up an independent practice Amanda was Clinical Lead for Voice Therapy Services at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.
Music and Singing Specialists
Maureen Scott
Starting her career as a singer/actress working in Musical Theatre, Maureen now works with musical theatre singers, rock and pop stars and talented beginners finding the voice qualities they need to enhance their artistry. Maureen has been a vocal coach on numerous musicals in the West End and on tour. Teaches: Vocal Technique (masterclasses)
Ben Goddard
Numerous musical credits in the West End, Regents Park Open Air Theatre and on Tour. Teaches: Musical Theatre (masterclasses)
Mark Meadows
Mark is an actor and former Musical Director of The Swingle Singers. In addition to his numerous acting credits on stage, screen and radio, he has various theatre and recording credits as composer and arranger. Teaches: Singing Coach and Repetiteur
John Telfer
An actor, musician and composer, John has toured across the UK and is notable for playing the Revd Alan Frank in The Archers on BBC Radio 4. He has composed for shows with Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and Bristol Old Vic, as well as numerous BBC Radio 4 dramas, and on screen for the BBC and ITV. Teaches: Musical Director
Charlie Ingles
Musical Director, Pianist, Orchestrator and Arranger, Charlie trained at Goldsmiths College on the BMus Classical Course and with NYMT. His numerous MD credits include: Top Hat (Upstairs At The Gatehouse), Imaginary – The Musical (The Other Palace), Billy The Kid (Leicester Curve). Recent Assistant Musical Direction includes: Flashdance The Musical (UK Tour), The Hired Man and Prodigy (St. James Theatre, London). Teaches: Repetiteur
Andy Sullivan
Andy has worked extensively as musical director, vocal coach, arranger and audition pianist. He has worked for commercial producers on West End shows and various UK Tours, as well as at top drama conservatories. Andy has also written new musicals and is an examiner in Musical Theatre. Teaches: Singing Coach and Repertoire
Derek Stuart-Clark
Derek trained at the Royal Academy of Music and is a freelance pianist. Teaches: Accompanist and Singing Coach
Richard Lennox
Richard is a virtuoso Musician who is a recording artist and live performer. He has worked in most genres of the music industry; from accompanying choirs, singers, instrumentalists to writing and arranging. Richard works extensively in Theatre, Cabare and major concert venues across the UK and Europe, including the world famous Royal Albert Hall. Rehearsal Pianist
Movement and Combat Specialists
Clare Fox
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dance & Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, Clare embarked on a career as a professional dancer touring both the UK & internationally. Following her move back to Bristol, Clare now specialises in Classical Ballet and Theatre Dance/Movement tutoring vocational students in the South West and is a freelance choreographer. Teaches: Ballet and Movement
Michelle Gaskell
A freelance choreographer and movement director, Michelle has worked for Bristol Old Vic, Salisbury Playhouse, The Tobacco Factory, English Touring Opera, Travelling Light, Wigmore Hall and is a regular collaborator with Myrtle Theatre Company. Teaches: Movement and Dance
Sue Gilbert
Sue has worked in the health and fitness industry since 1990 and has experience of working in many prestigious health clubs, as well as with actors and professional athletes. Sue was a medallist in UK Open and British Nationals Aerobics Championships. Teaches: Pilates
Lyndall Grant
Trained as an actor, Lyndall is a fight director and stage combat teacher with the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. Lyndall is the director of Captivate Action, a company which specialises in action, movement and motion capture performance and training. Teaches: Motion Capture
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee
Originally trained as an actor, Oliver is a senior ITM (Interactive Teaching Method) teacher and trainer. He teaches in the UK and internationally and has presented at the International Alexander Technique Congress. He is also a multi-award winning copywriter. Teaches: Alexander Technique.
Theatre Directors
Bill Alexander
An award winning freelance theatre director who began his career at Bristol Old Vic. Bill joined the RSC in 1977 and remained there until 1992 leaving as Associate Director. He was Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep 1992-2001.
Sally Cookson (pictured left)
An Olivier nominated Director, Sally is an Associate Artist at Bristol Old Vic, and a long-time collaborator with Travelling Light. Recent credits include: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Peter Pan, Jane Eyre (Bristol Old Vic, National Theatre).
Gemma Fairlie
During her career, as both Director & Associate Director, Gemma has worked for companies including: Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court Theatre, New Vic Theatre and The Orange Tree Theatre. She is Associate Director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
David Mercatali
Currently Associate Director at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, David is an award-winning theatre director. Recent credits include: Insignificance by Terry Johnson (Arcola Theatre, first London revival in over 20 years), Blue Heart by Caryl Churchill (Tobacco Factory Theatre, Orange Tree Theatre).
Tom Morris
Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic and Associate Director of the National Theatre since 2004. Tom was the Artistic Director of Battersea Arts Centre from 1995 to 2004. Directing credits include: The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic and West End); War Horse (National Theatre, UK & International Tours).
Donnacadh O’Briain
Olivier Award winning director, Donnacadh’s productions have played at the Royal Shakespeare Company, in the West End, and internationally. In 2016 he directed Always Orange by Fraser Grace for the RSC, which reopened the famous The Other Place Theatre.
Nik Partridge
Currently Staff Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth, Nik was previously Director in Residence at Tobacco Factory Theatres and a BBC Performing Arts Fellow. Nik has made work for companies including: Royal Court, Traverse, Oran Mor, the egg and Travelling Light.
Ed Viney
Artistic Director of Blue Brook Productions, Ed was previously Director in Residence at the National Theatre Studio and worked at Chichester Festival Theatre, Almeida Theatre, and Bush Theatre.
Film & Television Specialists
Lorna Laidlaw
Actress and Director, Lorna spent several years with Birmingham Rep and made her television debut in the 1990s. Lorna is known for her roles in BBC shows Doctors, Grandpa in My Pocket and Tikkabilla. Lorna has also directed multiple episodes of Doctors.
Megan Lynas
Hugely experienced Script Supervisor for film and TV. Megan’s recent credits include: Poldark (BBC), Trollied (Sky), Crazyhead (Netflix). Teaches: Script Supervision.
Bashart Malik
For over 15 years Bashart has worked in commercials, music videos and features. Bashart is a Director of Photography and has recently been working on Channel 4 shorts.
Rupert Miles
BAFTA winning director and writer of critically-acclaimed drama and documentary programmes for all the major UK broadcasters and key international broadcasters. Before directing, Rupert worked creatively on iconic feature films and TV series as an editor, supervising sound editor and as an art director. Teaches: Acting to Camera
Tim Newton
An award-winning dramatist turned filmmaker with over twenty years experience writing, producing and directing film, television and theatre. Tim works with artists, performers and commissioning bodies across the UK, producing a wide range of work from documentary and TV commercials to independent art films, comedies and historical drama.
Vince Pellegrino
Trained actor and voice over artist. Vince has extensive stage and screen credits, including credits with Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, Salisbury Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic and in the West End. Screen credits include: Three Girls, Casualty (BBC); Where the Heart Is (ITV), The Fifth Element. Teaches: Acting to Camera
Layla Pope
Director
Jack Price
A film and theatre maker, Jack directed his first short film at 21 starring Idris Elba, five years later he joined Ridley Scott Associates as a director. Jack’s career has seen him win numerous awards and short films screened at major festivals across the world. Teaches: Acting to Camera
Tiggi Trethowan
Tiggi has worked extensively in the TV industry for over 30 years, starting as a Stage Manager then Floor Manager she advanced quickly to Unit Manager/First Assistant Director. Notable credits include Man Vs Wild Bear Grylls taking her across the world. Teaches: First AD
Andrew Yarme
Over 20 year’s professional freelance experience working in Film/Video production as a sound recordist/mixer. Andrew has worked in over 85 countries in remote locations including jungles, deserts, and filming in both the North and South Pole. Teaches: Location Sound
Stuart Napier
Acting to Camera
Martin Sharp
Acting to Camera, Michael Chekhov
Jayne Chard
Director
Ben Morris
Director
Robert Knights
Director
Fiona Francombe
Location Manager
Bruce Abrahams
Production Management
Louie Blystad Collins
Lighting for Film & TV
Radio Specialists
Julie Beckett
Senior Producer for the BBC Radio.
Sunny Ormonde
Hugely experienced radio actress with over 400 radio play credits, and long-time member of The Archers cast. Sunny has appeared in theatres all across the UK and on screen.
James Peries
James is a Director, Producer, Writer & Deviser for Theatre, Radio & TV Drama. Alongside his freelance work since 2013 James has been the Literary Associate at Bristol Old Vic. Previously James has worked for the BBC (Reader, Producer, Development Editor) and as the New Writing Manager at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Alec Reid
Alec has had an extensive career in Radio working largely for the BBC producing, editing, directing and writing. Alec has also produced hundreds of audiobooks and publications include books, numerous magazine articles and poems.
Janet Whitaker
A prolific, award-winning radio drama director, Janet has brought endless classic novels to a new audience for the BBC.
Peter Leslie Wild
An award-winning director and producer working in Theatre, TV and Audio Drama. Peter has worked around the country and for the BBC as both a radio and television producer. Peter has directed more than 150 BBC radio dramas and is a regular guest director of The Archers.
Sara Davies
BBC Radio Workshops
Roger Stennett
Director
Sue Wilson
Director, Radio Technique
Marilyn Imrie
Radio Techniques
Masterclasses
Tom Morris
Artistic Director, Bristol Old Vic (pictured left)
Ali Robertson
Artistic Director, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Paul Crewes
Executive Director, Kneehigh
Max Jones
RSC Designer
Sarah Benkinsop
Freelance Designer
Janet Bird
Freelance Designer
Miranda Cromwell
BOV Young Company
David Woodhead
Freelance Designer/ Associate Designer MGC
Jemima Robinson
Freelance Designer
Bunny Christie
Designer
Sarah Hauldren
Art Director
Mark Rosenblatt
Director
Lucy Osborne
Designer
John McGrath
Artistic Director, National Theatre Wales
Jamie Allen
Director
