Testimonials
These are some testimonials/endorsements from industry peers and professionals who have worked with me over time.
Dan Astles (Local Musician and Songwriter) - “Alana is a fantastic collaborator and creative person, with amazing ideas and a fantastic work effort. Her tunnel vision as an artist is truly admirable - in my career, I have never worked with someone like her. She is very open and reactive to all feedback and is intent on the best outcome at all times. It is a true pleasure to work with her on the composition of her songs.”
Hayley Sheen (Local Theatre/TV Actress and Singer) – “Working with Alana as an actor on her Arts Council sponsored project was one of the most inspiring creative experiences I’ve had. She’s incredibly talented, with an unique creative vision, a strong artistic perspective and a brilliant sense of humour - I feel so lucky to have been part of her work. Although she navigates her own access challenges, she always put the needs of the team first. She created an inclusive, thoughtful and supportive environment where I felt truly listened to and free to contribute. Alana also worked with RAWD to create a directing toolkit - honestly, it's genius; such an effective and accessible way of communicating direction. It made her vision incredibly clear and easy for us to interpret and respond to. It really showed her creativity, not just as a writer and director, but as a collaborator too. She's a strong, commanding presence - she can take control of a room without saying a single word. Sometimes, all it took was one look and we knew exactly what was needed. That kind of clarity, confidence and leadership is something really special. I learnt so much from her about leadership, storytelling, and how care, creativity and professionalism can work seamlessly together. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat, and I honestly can’t wait to see what she does next.”
James Capel (Screenwriter and Founder of Scribe Lounge) - “What impresses me about Alana is her willingness and enthusiasm to learn. She actively wants to get better and hone her skillset so she can tell her vital stories. Throughout our notes process I learned that Alana isn’t afraid to stand up for aspects of her work that she believes in but at the same time she understands and deconstructs the notes as they arrive. She always actions her feedback in a concise and accurate way without compromising her style and tone. The perfect collaborator.”
Michael Fletcher (Local Theatre Actor, now Tour Manager of Giffords Circus) – “I had the pleasure of working with Alana for a Christmas project ‘Last Christmas’. Watching Alana work, and witnessing her dream come a reality is a joy to behold and a pleasure to be a part of. She is a credit to the profession, and a living example of following your dreams and believing in yourself.”
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The following section contains comments from celebrities and personal friends in the theatre/music industry, who have known me for many years.
Michael Ball (West End Star) – “Alana is an inspiration and a ray of sunshine. Seeing her instantly puts a smile on my face and her attitude to life is something we can all learn from. She faces every challenge with positivity and optimism and seems to conquer them all with grit and determination and a lot of laughter. She’s a hero and I bloody love her...”
Rhydian Roberts (Singer and Agent of many West End Performers) - "Alana is more knowledgeable about great music than Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Simon Fuller combined. She is a true fan and it's always a joy to see her. Alana likes great singers that move her and I'm honoured to be among that list of hers."
Michael Starke (Legendary Theatre/TV Star) – “Alana is one of my oldest pals. I met her many years ago and she struck me with her strength and determination and particularly her knowledge and love of theatre. I’m lucky to get to see her at all the shows I’ve done. She’s cheeky and devilishly funny. She’s my mate and the biggest compliment she paid me was to say I was ‘almost’ as good as Michael Ball!”
Hayley Sheen (Local Theatre/TV Actress and Singer) – “I feel extremely lucky to have had the pleasure of not only meeting but becoming good friends with Alana. She lights up a room and one of my favourite parts of a show is to look out and see her dancing and laughing along. An inspirational woman, who I am very proud to know!”
Lynn Francis (Local Theatre Actress) – “Alana is a great supporter of local theatre and I have had the pleasure of seeing her face in the audience many a time, but it is the communication we have through social media that I got to know how articulate, intelligent, talented and funny Alana truly is.”
Michael Fletcher (Local Theatre Actor, now Tour Manager of Giffords Circus) – “In life you meet people who truly inspire you to be better. This woman never ceases to make me smile, make me laugh, and make me thankful that I have had the privilege of meeting her. I am so lucky to now be able to call Alana my friend. Love you, you little legend!”
Adrian Hansel (West End Actor) – “Highlight of leaving my stage door is seeing the shining bright smile of Alana! Funny, bright and cheeky!! There is A LOT more than just her chair!”
Emma Williams (West End/TV Actress) – “Alana is a true inspirational star! Theatre has always been a way to touch the hearts and souls of everyone. Alana is proof through her strength, determination and joyousness, that as much as we affect our audience, they affect us too.”
Gary Watson (West End Actor) – “Alana is an incredibly positive and passionate individual who takes all challenges in her stride and doesn’t let anything get in the way of doing what she wants in life...so inspiring to us all.”
Lindzi Germain (Local Comedian and Theatre/TV Actress) – “Alana is such an inspiration to everyone who is lucky enough to meet her. With her infectious smile and that cheeky glint in her eyes it's always a pleasure to be in her company. Alana - thank you for all the laughter we have shared and for my amazing t-shirt you made me, but most of all for being my little mate.”
Keddy Sutton (Local Comedian and Theatre/TV Actress) – “I perform every Christmas at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre and I had the honour of being introduced to Alana through Lindzi Germain , Michael Fletcher, Hayley Sheen and the team. Alana had designed some fantastic t-shirts for the cast and I had to find out who this talent was... That day I met the happiest, loveliest person who also had a great team of friends and supporters with her. Alana has an aura that draws you in and makes you feel really happy. I always look forward to saying hello after a show because of this light and positive energy. Thank you for being you.”
Peter Polycarpou (Renowned Theatre/TV Actor) – “Appearances, they say can be deceptive and some may view disabled people with a cursory glance that can be dismissive and completely ill judged. So it is with Alana. Her energy and determination puts many able bodied people to shame. Her personality and warmth shine through every part of her being. What she's achieved speaks volumes and her strength is her communication with those willing to make the leap from the mere external to the person that Alana really is.”