My journey as a creative artist ignited after making a music video with Michael Fletcher (pictured left) but ever since I was little, people used to say I should be on the stage, I was always dancing to music and loved putting on little shows with my cousins for the family. The first musical I went to see was Grease starring Shane Richie. I was instantly hooked! From then on, I became fascinated with musicals and other theatre shows. I used to dream about being a leading lady. 

In the music video with Michael Fletcher, I mimed to the lyrics and played the part of a female love interest. The video was not serious in nature - we were mainly just having fun with it. I really enjoyed the experience.

As I got older, I discovered Michael Ball, and that’s when I really started thinking about the lyrics/meaning behind songs and appreciating the actors’ performance as they’re singing and acting at the same time. I believe you can connect with the characters deeper through songs and they enhance the overall story.

My passion for musical theatre grew each time I watched Michael and my friends/local actors (the likes of Michael Starke, Lynn Francis, Jamie Clarke, Stephen Fletcher, Lindzi Germain and Keddy Sutton) perform; they inspire and encourage me to follow my dreams. Whether it has been a small or large part, I would like to thank them for their continuous support on my creative journey.

Michael Starke (pictured right) has known me since his 'Brookside' days, and witnessed my growing love for musical theatre over the years. He introduced me to lots of actors, writers and directors over the years. I wouldn't have met half of them if it wasn't for Michael Starke!

Working with RAWD on part of my Arts Council sponsored project gave me the opportunity to perform alongside another friend/local actor Hayley Sheen (who has recently made her West End debut) in 2 scenes, I wrote and directed. I wanted to make the scenes fun but feel as authentic as possible. Working on these scenes has made me realise what kind of creative artist I am and the direction I need to take. If you're interested to know the concepts of the scenes and see what I've done with them from a directing perspective, click here for the rehearsal footage.

Since working with RAWD, I have learnt to think ‘outside the box’ and use unnaturalistic concepts within my work. With this in mind and thinking about the many shows I’ve seen at Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre; I decided to incorporate puppets into the 2 scenes and music video, which featured in my showcase event. 

I’ve discovered them to be a valuable tool for smaller productions, or when working on a budget. 

I was heavily involved in designing the puppets (working with Em Wills), concentrating on their aesthetics and clothing to make sure they suit the character briefs.

My disability makes day-to-day communication challenging, and I have to put a lot of effort into getting what I want to say across to other people. Sometimes I can’t express what I want to say quickly enough and I become frustrated.

Until a while ago, the prospect of directing a theatre production was something I’d not considered. After RAWD proposed the idea of directing, I wanted to grasp the opportunity but I wasn’t sure about how I’d be able to do it. Through this uncertainty, the directing toolkit was born (developed/created through a collaboration with RAWD); a way for me to direct in a theatre environment without needing to speak or use my computers, or being too time-consuming.

After generating several ideas, we came up with a basic template for testing. Throughout the first hour of using the toolkit, I could see potential, but quickly discovered that it needed to be easier to use and include a greater choice of words/terminology. So, I ended up redesigning the 2 boards completely (one primarily focused on performance and characterisation, while the other for stage blocking, lighting and other directing directions), and creating a flip chart with useful acting verbs to expand the range of words/terminology available, making the toolkit easier to use.

I hope to develop the toolkit further as I get more experience in directing, which would benefit other disabled, non-verbal people with aspirations of directing.

Having improved/developed my writing skills, it has made my venture into song-writing smoother; if you like to find out more, click here

That’s my journey as a Creative Artist so far...