DIRECTING
Much of my directing practice is focussed around my work as co-Artistic Director of Cyphers Theatre Company. For Cyphers, I adapt, develop and direct classic stories for the stage. These productions are normally designed for touring and are heavily ensemble based.
As a freelance director, I bring these same skills to new writing, adaptation and ensemble projects. I work to shape and develop the stories of others in an open, collaborative and gently questioning way.
At the heart of my practice is a sense of team - whether it's a one-person show or a large cast musical. I am always focussed on bringing the actors, stage management and creatives together. I feel that every member of the team should have the opportunity to express themselves and feel fully invested in the production.
I am always keen to hear from and meet with writers, companies and producers who might be interested in working with me. So do get in touch.
I am available as a director, assistant director or dramaturg. I am also an experience facilitator and workshop leader.
Below you can see some of my productions and my CV.
PRODUCTIONS
 MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAMDirector/Adaptor, Stageless (2021). Adapted to 45 minutes for 4 actors from the original by William Shakespeare. Performed in private residences. |  ORLANDODirector/Adaptor, Cyphers Theatre Company (2019). Based on the novel by Virginia Woolf. Work-in-progress performances at Nuffield Southampton Theatres. [In development] |  NORTHANGER ABBEYDirector, Cyphers Theatre Company (2017-19). Adapted by Katherine Rigg, based on the novel by Jane Austen. Touring venues include: Pleasance London, Farnham Maltings, Dorchester Arts, Lighthouse Poole. |
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 BEAUTY AND THE BEASTJMK Assistant Director, Salisbury Playhouse (2018/19). Director: Ryan McBryde. (Photo: Robert Workman) |  COMMUNICATEDirector, Sheepish Productions (2016-19). Written by JJ Fletcher. Touring venues include: Cast Doncaster, Cheltenham Everyman. |  KNOTS: JACK AND JILLCo-Director, Theatre Sans Accents (2018). Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh. |
 LIFE AND CRIMES OF REV RACCOONDirector, Sheepish Productions (2016-17). Written by JJ Fletcher. Touring venues include: Cast Doncaster, Leeds Hub. |  LOST IN TRANSLATIONDirector and co-devisor, Theatre Sans Accents (2017). French Institute, Edinburgh Festival. |  CAILLEACH ÓGDirector, Blackshaw Theatre (2017). Written by Gerald Moynihan. 1 night industry showcase at Pleasance London. |
 THE THREE MUSKETEERSDirector/Actor/Adaptor, Cyphers Theatre Company (2016). Based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. |  HENRY VDirector, Cyphers Theatre Company (2014/15). Written by William Shakespeare. Holy Sepulchre Northampton. |  GREAT EXPECTATIONSDirector/Adaptor, Cyphers Theatre Company (2015). Based on the novel by Charles Dickens. |
 LE JOURNAL D'UN FOUDirector, Eprouve/Theatre Alive (2015). Adapted by Mark Antoine and Andrew Visnevski, based on the novella by Nikolai Gogol. Théâtre La Reine Blanche, Paris. |
DIRECTING CV
DIRECTING CREDITS
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Stageless), Private Residences, 2021
GRIMM TALES (Proteus Youth Theatre), Basingstoke Walled Garden, 2021
THE LAST MOTEL [Work-In-Progress] (Sheepish Productions), Cast Doncaster (Online), 2021
COMMUNICATE (Sheepish Productions), UK Tour, 2016-19
ORLANDO [Work-In-Progress] (Cyphers Theatre Company), Nuffield Southampton Theatres/Wiltshire Creative, 2019
NORTHANGER ABBEY (Cyphers Theatre Company), UK Tour, 2017-19
KNOTS (Theatre Sans Accents), Hidden Door Festival, 2018
LOST IN TRANSLATION (Theatre Sans Accents), French Institute of Scotland, 2017
CAILLEACH OG (Blackshaw Theatre), Pleasance London, 2017
LIFE AND CRIMES OF REVEREND RACCOON (Sheepish Productions), Edinburgh Festival and UK Tour, 2016-17
THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Cyphers Theatre Company), UK Tour, 2016
GREAT EXPECTATIONS (Cyphers Theatre Company), Proud Archivist London, 2015
LE JOURNAL D'UN FOU (Theatre Alive / Eprouve), Theatre Reine Blanche Paris, 2015
HENRY V (Cyphers Theatre Company), Proud Archivist / Holy Sepulchre Northampton, 2014-15
STAFF / ASSISTANT DIRECTING CREDITS
ALADDIN (West End In Schools), Director: Ryan McBryde, Schools Tour, 2019
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Wiltshire Creative), Director: Ryan McBryde, Salisbury Playhouse, 2018-19
MISS WILSON'S WATERLOO (Coppermill Productions), Director: Ellis Jones, Finborough Theatre / The World (Cruise Ship), 2015-16
STAYING ALIVE (Blackshaw Theatre), Director: Ellie Pitkin, Pleasance London, 2015
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Blackshaw Theatre), Director: Ellie Pitkin, Battersea Library, 2015
LE JOURNAL D'UN FOU (Theatre Alive), Director: Andrew Visnevski, Fabrik Theatre Avignon, 2014
APPETITE, Director: Andrew Visnevski, GBS Theatre RADA, 2013
OTHELLO (RADA Enterprises), Director: Ellis Jones, Queen Mary II, 2010
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (RADA Enterprises), Director: Ellis Jones, Queen Mary II, 2010
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (RADA Enterprises), Director: Ellis Jones, Queen Mary II, 2009
HOBSON'S CHOICE (RADA Enterprises), Director: Ellis Jones, Queen Mary II, 2009
WORKSHOP FACILITATION
I regularly run workshops for companies, primarily working in schools and educational settings.
My facilitating experience covers both online and in-person workshops, with a particular focus on engaging young people with theatre and storytelling from Shakespeare to fairy tales.
Companies I've worked for include: Royal Shakespeare Company, The Barbican, The British Library, Guildford Shakespeare Company, Proteus Theatre Company, West End In Schools, King's College London and Reading School.
If you're interested in hiring me as a workshop leader, then please do get in touch.
WRITER COACHING
Is this any good? How can I make it better? Where do I begin when looking to get it performed?
If those questions sound familiar then you're in the right place!
Through my coaching you'll not only have someone to read your work and provide feedback, you'll also have someone to help you articulate and focus your ideas. As well as exploring your creative ideas, we'll look at how to take your project forward, so you can make the first steps towards getting it on stage.
I bring together my skills as a director and as an adaptor of multiple novels for the stage, as well as my experience within artist development. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of artists exploring and challenging aspects of their creative practice. I've worked with artists who specialise in everything from hip-hop dance and contemporary opera to immersive audio-visual experiences and children's theatre. So, whatever your project or idea - I'm here to help!
Below are details of my one-on-one coaching packages.
WRITER COACHING PACKAGE
The specific areas that we cover in this package will be personalised to your particular needs but common areas that we cover include:
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Narrative structure
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Clarity for audiences
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Defining specific focus of the story
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Character development and journey
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Defining theatrical style
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Time management
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Freeing you to be brave and write the play you really want to write
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Advice on possible funding sources
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Advice on next steps for producing the play
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Recommended theatres to talk to for further support/programming
COMPLETE PACKAGE
This package is about giving you meaningful support to develop your script and empower you to take control of your script's future life.
As part of this package you will receive:
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2 x 1-on-1 Zoom coaching sessions with me.
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Personalised feedback and writing prompts based on your work.
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Email coaching for 3 months. We can keep in touch between and after our sessions via email, so you can ask questions and check your progress.
These sessions are completely individualised and give you the opportunity to put your writing and creativity centre stage. The aim is to give you confidence in your work and to help you prioritise your creative ambitions.
If you want to discuss this coaching package further, I’m very happy to chat. Drop me an email via the link below and we'll arrange a time to chat.
TESTIMONIALS
Kat Roberts
(Writer)
There is no way my creative practice would have progressed as it has without Marcus' guidance. He's a grounded influence who cannot fail to centre whoever he comes in contact with and facilitate their best work.
Jeremy Fletcher
(Writer)
I cannot recommend the Writers Package highly enough... During the process my writing was reinvigorated, and Marcus managed to be a hybrid - part director, part dramaturg and part life coach.