MY JOURNEY
The personal and professional experiences that have shaped my approach to directing, teaching and creating meaningful theatre.
The Story Behind My Practice
Every experience we have shapes the way we see the world. My journey into theatre has been influenced by family, creativity, performance, education, recovery, travel and community. While each chapter of my life has been different, they are all connected by a belief in the power of storytelling, creativity and human connection.
Today, these experiences continue to shape my approach as a director. My work is informed by collaboration, education, curiosity and a belief that creativity can help us better understand ourselves and one another.
Growing Up in a Creative Family
Music, storytelling and creativity have always been woven into the fabric of my life.
I grew up in a family who connected through the arts. Sunday afternoons often ended with singing around the piano after a family roast, while holidays became opportunities for performances, talent competitions and impromptu shows. Whether entering talent contests at Pontins or earning the nickname ‘The Von Trapp Family’ at a karaoke bar in Tenerife, performing together was simply part of who we were.
Creativity was also embedded in my family’s history. My Nan performed at the Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon, while her brother, Tony Boden, known by many as Toto, was awarded a scholarship to RADA before building a successful performing career of his own. He later founded Bodens Performing Arts School in London, a legacy that continues to inspire performers today.
From the age of five, I was creating worlds. Tights became wigs, dressing gowns became capes and rugs transformed into magic carpets. Whether there was an audience or not never really mattered. What mattered was the act of creating. Looking back, those childhood games taught me something that still sits at the heart of my directing practice today: the ability to imagine possibilities and invite others into them.
Why Theatre Matters to Me
As someone who often felt different growing up, theatre became a place where I could make sense of myself and the world around me. It became a space for exploration, expression and understanding. It was where I discovered that stories can help us process emotions, ask questions and find connection. That belief continues to shape the way I work with performers, students and creative teams. I believe the arts have the power to help people discover who they are and who they might become.
I often joke that I view life through the lens of a musical, but there is truth in that. I am naturally drawn to stories, symbolism and the idea that even difficult experiences can reveal something meaningful.
Creativity, Recovery and The Lighthouse Bali
Throughout my life, the arts have been my first aid kit. During periods of challenge and recovery, creativity became one of the tools that helped me rebuild my sense of self. Through music, writing, storytelling and creative exploration, I found ways to process experiences, reconnect with who I was and begin imagining who I wanted to become.
This personal journey eventually led me to Bali, where I worked as Creative Director at The Lighthouse Bali, a rehabilitation centre supporting people recovering from addiction and alcoholism. Having experienced the value of creativity within my own recovery, I became passionate about creating opportunities for others to access those same tools.
Working alongside residents, I developed creative programmes that incorporated songwriting, creative writing, storytelling, movement, visual art and performance. These sessions were designed not only as creative outlets, but as opportunities for self reflection, self discovery and personal growth. Witnessing the impact these practices had on others reinforced something I had already come to believe: creativity is far more than entertainment. It can help people reconnect with themselves, find meaning within difficult experiences and begin writing the next chapter of their story.
Community, Connection and Creativity
My passion for community based work also led me to Uganda, where I worked within a local village supporting the development of a playground and facilitating creative workshops for children and young people. Through music, play and collaborative activities, I witnessed how creativity can strengthen confidence, identity and a sense of belonging.
These experiences continue to influence how I approach rehearsal rooms, workshops and creative projects today. I believe people do their best work when they feel seen, valued and connected to something bigger than themselves.
Performer, Writer and Educator
Alongside these experiences, my work as a performer developed my love of musical theatre from the perspective of both storyteller and entertainer. Performing taught me how audiences connect emotionally with a piece of work and how every creative decision contributes to that experience.
My background as a writer has further shaped my approach, encouraging me to look beyond what is written on the page and explore what exists between the lines. Together, these experiences continue to influence how I approach text, music, performance and direction.
In 2017, I qualified as a teacher with Qualified Teacher Status. More than nine years working within schools and educational settings has equipped me with skills that are invaluable within a rehearsal room: leadership, communication, planning, adaptability and a deep understanding of how individuals learn and grow.
Whether working with performers, students or creative teams, I aim to create environments where people feel supported, challenged and able to do their best work.
Directing on a Larger Scale
My work has also taken me around the world. In India, I have produced, directed and choreographed large scale productions involving casts of more than four hundred performers. These experiences have strengthened my resilience, adaptability and ability to lead complex creative projects. More importantly, they have reinforced a value that sits at the core of everything I do: every individual deserves to feel seen, valued and respected. Whether working with a cast of four or four hundred, I strive to create spaces where people feel they belong.
Looking Forward
Today, these experiences continue to shape my approach as a director. My work is informed by storytelling, education, collaboration and a belief in the transformative power of creativity. I am interested in building worlds where music, movement, fashion, design and performance work together to tell stories in unexpected ways. Stories that entertain, challenge and inspire. Stories that offer audiences not only an escape from everyday life, but also something they can carry back into it.
Every chapter of my journey has contributed to the artist, educator and director I am today. I am excited to discover where the next chapter leads.