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About Me: From Theatre Director to Professional Nosey Person

How I Found My Calling at Nearly 60

Let's rewind to the early 80s – yes, pre-historic times, I know. Fresh from university, I spent years as a theatre practitioner (limelight, not scalpels!), working backstage in theatres all over the UK. Young, free, single, and absolutely exhausting myself. Eventually, I moved into directing and, in a moment of beautiful naivety, set up a theatre company with my partner.

Did you know us? Will you have heard of us?No! This was well before social media, when you actually had to physically post things to promote shows. We lost our shirts. We ended up in debt. And it was completely, utterly worth it.

Life, Love, and a Very Hazy Proposal

After a surprise birthday party involving far too much fizz, we got engaged. Or so I was told the next morning. My memory of that night is rather hazy (blame the pop!), but apparently when my partner proposed, the waiter cried. He never did tell me if I actually said yes.

Fast forward through buying our first house, having our two children, and spending years at Great Ormond Street Hospital with our daughter who was born with a serious medical condition. Career choices took a backseat to supporting her, and we became well-known faces in those corridors.

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Campervan & Me (2890 X 2181)
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The Desperate Lady and Other Adventures

When we had time away from the hospital, we travelled. Oh, how we travelled! Our 1979 VW campervan – affectionately known as "The Desperate Lady" (there's definitely a story attached to that naming) – took us around the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. Breaking down was practically obligatory. That's what vintage campervans do with startling regularity.

The Serendipitous Moment

By 2018, I'd had a number of enjoyable part-time jobs, but I wasn't feeling stimulated or challenged. The cry went up: "I want something for me!" Any carer knows how easy it is to get engulfed and lose your identity.

Then three friends simultaneously suggested I should become a civil celebrant.

"What's that, and does it mean I can't swear ever again?" was my retort.

Eureka indeed.

I completed my training for funerals (NOCN Grade 3 qualification), then studied with the wonderful Fellowship of Professional Celebrants for all other celebratory events.

Baptism by Fire (And Dancing)

In my first six months of conducting funerals (this was Covid time; there were no weddings) I was accompanied in some of my services by a Mariarchi Band, beautiful white doves, a man dressed in drag doing an impression of Freddie Mercury in the “I Want To Break Free” video, and for those old enough to remember the 70’s, I was honoured to have “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown” as my wingman! I quickly knew this was exactly the career I needed and wanted.

I was off.

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My Philosophy: Only Connect

One of my favourite books is "Howard's End" by E.M. Forster. There's a quotation that perfectly captures what I do:

"Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height."

It really is that simple. With your passion for each other, or for the person you've lost, we connect and together create something exalted. We all have a story to tell. We all want our story heard.

Through years of hard work, I've developed the skills and creativity to hone your words, feelings, and passions into a ceremony that's unique to you and completely unforgettable.

What Makes Me Different

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    I'm incredibly nosey

    perfect for a celebrant, terrible for keeping secrets. I live and breathe through connecting with people.

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    I don't do templates

    every ceremony I create is bespoke. I listen carefully, and only when we're all happy with every tiny detail do we create our own diamond-encrusted prototype.

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    I bring theatrical flair

    but don't worry, I've left most of the melodrama in the 1980s where it belongs. What remains is timing, presence, and the ability to hold a room.

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    I'm honest and direct

    you'll know exactly where you stand with me, and I promise to tell you if that reading you've chosen is a bit naff.

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    I find the best in everyone

    from street sweepers and lollipop ladies to multi-million pound business owners, jazz singers to acrobats. Everyone's interesting. No matter how dull you think you are (you're wrong, by the way).

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Awards & Recognition

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    Good Funeral Awards 2025 Finalist

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    Coffin Club Celebrant Plus Member

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    Funeral Celebrancy Council Accord Member

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    Celebrant Directory Official Member

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    Fellowship of Professional Celebrants Member

When I'm Not Creating Ceremonies

You'll find me travelling, enjoying life at our 300 year old East Anglia cottage, reading, being with my fab kids, and probably being far too opinionated about theatre productions, and absolutely, definitely being nosey about everyone's business.

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Ready to Work Together?

I promise to know everything you're willing to share – and then some. You'll feel listened to, involved, empowered, and you'll probably have a few laughs along the way.

That's not a bad start, is it?

Let's Start Your Journey