In the drama studio I am always keen to point out to students that I’m not necessarily there to turn them into actors, but to mould them into confident, considerate, empathetic, worldly, cooperative individuals. Although of course it would be wonderful to find the next Eddie Redmayne!

As a theatre specialist I also encourage the creative and technical routes to this industry as my background is in this area. I was a Stage Manager for the National Theatre and the West End for ten years before deciding to share this knowledge as a teacher. Year 10 are in a current phase of asking me who I’ve worked with, and the list is fun as it includes actors they know of and aspire to be, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Kit Harrington and Tom Hardy.

I started in the theatre at The Almeida, and then the Royal Court where I got to work with writers I’d admired at university including Sir David Hare and Caryl Churchill. Suddenly the people in my essays were people in my phone! 

I like to draw on my past to show students the wonderful creative opportunities there are in the performing arts without needing to perform. A particular highlight and honour was as stage manager for War Horse where the Queen invited us to do a private performance at Windsor Castle (see below!).

It’s amazing where Drama can take you.