How did you start off in theatre?

As a drama student in the 1980s, I gained early experience in radio but was fixated on breaking into children’s television. When a new Saturday morning show launched in Manchester, I found myself taking a BBC lift to the fifth floor and stepping in as an audience warm-up artist. After that, the auditions kept coming – lots of near misses, but never quite the big breakthrough. I returned to radio, working the graveyard shift, more determined than ever. But with bills piling up and anxiety creeping in, I realised I needed a plan B. I retrained as a drama teacher, studied for a postgraduate qualification and, along the way, worked as a travel reporter for Granada Sky Satellite TV and even as education consultant for ITV West.

How did Thinking Actor begin?

The steady teaching job wasn’t giving me the fulfilment I’d hoped for. With drama being cut in schools, I took a redundancy package and fled to New York, where I studied the Meisner Technique with the inspirational James Price at the Acting Studio. It reignited my passion. Returning to the UK, I founded Thinking Actors – a Spotlight-accredited training, coaching and creative support service for actors. Not long after, I bumped into my brilliant agent Sam Simmons (PiP Talent) in a Manchester art gallery and was cast in ITV’s Coronation Street as Rupert Copley, an executive at Rest Easy Undertakers. Soap opera was a real challenge, and it felt like I’d ticked something off my Salford wish list. What’s next? Who knows?

What motivated you to write The Actor’s Blueprint?

I felt I had something valuable to share. I started the book years ago, but between acting and lecturing, it sat unfinished. Then, during an extended break in Spain, I finally completed it. I work with actors at every stage – from emerging talent to internationally established professionals. My passion lies in helping actors find efficiency, authenticity and emotional truth. The Actor’s Blueprint is a reflection of that journey – bringing together insights and experiences to help artists do their most honest and impactful work and to thrive in the industry.

Any tips readers could put into practice today to increase their career momentum?

Take an interest in your community. Reach out to independent film and theatremakers. Find your tribe. Create content. Build your online presence – but, also, put the phone down sometimes and have a real conversation.