about me

Originally from the UK, I have been based in Ireland for twenty years. As a theatre director and maker, I am driven by and inspired by work that has a strong storytelling element. This storytelling can take many forms and cover many genres including theatre for adults, theatre for young audiences, radio drama and radio documentary.

I have a BA Hons in Drama and Theatre Studies from The Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College Dublin. After University I spent some time working as a Stage Manager and amongst others worked with the Corn Exchange, Tom Murphy, Theatre Lovett and toured extensively to the UK and US. I was Resident Assistant Director in the Abbey Theatre 2013 - 2014. 

I founded MIRARI Productions with Sarah-Jayne Quigley in 2008. A company aiming to produce contemporary and relevant work that engaged with social, cultural and political issues. Productions included the award winning plays ‘In Dog Year’s I’m Dead’ by Kate Heffernan and ‘Our Island’ by Barry McStay. The company have parted ways now to pursue different interests, but we are very proud of the work we produced. 

After creating radio documentary Stepping Stones in 2017 in collaboration with St Patrick's Mental Health Services, I completed a QQI Level 5 Award in Radio Production and Broadcasting. This led to more of a focus on audio work and a Gold IMRO for Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands in 2022 commissioned by Babroó International Arts Festival for Children. I am currently developing several ideas for radio documentaries.

As Artist in Residence with Baboró I was also commissioned to make theatrical installation The Shape of Quiet Feelings exploring creative responses to climate change with children, and Every Child, a video made with children exploring children’s rights. All 3 commissions from Baboró have expanded my interest and skills in participatory audio work with children.

Recent theatrical projects include a sell out tour of Lúminaria, by Fionnuala Gygax a piece for children 6+, acclaimed production of new play Prickly by Caoimhe O’Malley with The Mill Theatre Dundrum, and sell out hit of Dublin Theatre Festival The Dead House with Martin Beanz Warde. I have worked on projects for or in collaboration with the Abbey Theatre, Fishamble New Play Company, The Ark Cultural Centre for Children, Project Arts Centre, Bewley's Cafe Theatre, The Gate Theatre, Town Hall Theatre Galway, Backstage Theatre Longford, RTE 2FM, Big Telly Theatre Company and St Patrick's Mental Health Services. 

I work regularly as a visiting director with The Lir Academy. I have also tutored at the Gaiety School of Acting. I teach introduction to Acting in the University of Galway Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies department. I sit regularly on audition panels and give coaching in audition technique for actors. I also give coaching in confidence building, public speaking and interview technique for actors and non-actors. Please get in touch for more information. 

I also work as a facilitator and mentor for both children and adults. I am lead artist/mentor and helped set up the Baboró Children’s Panel and Young Curators Network, and I am a Creative Associate with the Creative Schools programme.