About me:

Born and raised in rural Ireland, I was the first person in my family to get bitten by the theatre bug. At the tender age of eight years old, despite never having seen a show before, I felt compelled to write, direct and produce my first play. I proudly presented whatever I thought was a play, in front of my whole primary school. What that play was all about remains the stuff of legend, but what is important to know, is that that’s when my love affair with the performing arts began. I would have to wait another ten years, until I had left home and moved to Galway, before I got to see a professional show for the first time. That show: Ridiculusmus’ All About H. Hatterr, ignited a thirst in me that I have been unable to quench ever since.

Joining the theatre production course at Galway Youth Theatre, I eventually went on to direct for that company, as well as for other companies based in Galway. Self-taught up until then, I decided to apply to the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, in order to develop my skills in directing and playwriting. At Central, I assisted-directed for Deborah Bruce at The Gate Theatre in Notting Hill, and for both Che Walker and John Abulafia at Central. I was the first ever student to work with the BA Hons Acting students in a directing capacity, paving the way for other students to follow in my footsteps. I also worked with the MA Theatre Practice students. In my time at Central, I also wrote and directed two plays, and directed Dermot Bolger’s In High Germany at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre.

After a successful career as a primary school Dance and Drama Teacher, I decided it was time to return to my first love: the professional world of Theatre and Film. I was able to take many of the skills that I continued to hone during my time as a teacher with me. In my time as Head of Dance and Drama, I wrote, directed and produced large-scale productions for 60+ children, hired in professional creative collaborators and technicians, managed and was responsible for large budgets, and introduced my students to the use of aerial puppetry and filmmaking skills. Prior to working in the education sector, I co-founded a theatre company in Ireland called Melted Sand, I directed lunch time theatre shows at The Kings Head in Galway, directed shows for Galway Youth Theatre, and directed the inaugural play, The Bower Wall, in Tony Award-winning Druid Theatre’s new writing initiative: Druid Debuts. I have written four plays for adults, eleven short films for the NHS and over twenty adaptations and original works for children.