About Us

Associate Director

Jacqueline Avery


Based in Dorset, Jacqueline is a writer, director, choreographer, teacher, mask maker, puppet maker, Mother. Coming from a contemporary dance background Jacqueline's practice continually evolves through the use of physical performance and creative collaborations, seeking to consolidate her practice through her work both practical and academic.


Jacqueline has performed extensively in the world of physical and ensemble theatre and shortly after gaining her degree in theatre and performance at the University of Plymouth was fortunate enough to cut her directing teeth for the Jonah Lie Project, a collaborative piece performed with core members of  Kneehigh at The Hall for Cornwall more than a decade ago. Since then her work has taken her all over the UK.


'Very Clever and Powerful'

British Theatre Guide on The Makeshift Ensemble's production 'Sofa'


Associate Theatre-Maker

Hannah Soulsby-Phillips


Hannah trained at Birmingham School of Acting, graduating in 2006 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Acting.


Her professional performing credits include: Technofear in association with the Hazlitt Theatre, Kent, Hansel and Gretel (Welsh tour), Mrs. Jessop and the Maths Lesson of Doom (National UK tour), King Billy Learns Respect (musical), The Engine/Vita Nova (rehearsed readings), and 'Under Milk Wood' with Conspiracy Theatre Company.


In 2012 she co-founded Rummage Theatre, for whom Hannah wrote and performed in three plays - 'Cleansed', 'Captive Minds' & 'Behind the Wallpaper'. Rummage enjoyed popular runs at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured the South West.


Hannah is also a successful drama and vocal coach throughout Dorset, where she currently resides.


' . . . dramatic and chilling' ★★★★

Broadway Baby review of Rummage Theatre's 'Cleansed' 


Associate Musician/Theatre-Maker

Gill Simmons


Gill is a theatre maker and musician. She has an an MA in Drama and Theatre from Royal Holloway, University of London.

She is passionate about finding ways to engage community members through storytelling, theatre and music. She works mostly with young children, families, teenagers and care home residents.

Many of her projects involve co-writing music with community members. She has worked on community songwriting projects with Kilter Theatre including one working with children from a special school.

She trained in arts and dementia care with Liz Postlethwaite of Small Things at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford and in 2019 composed the music for a dementia-sensitive show Wonderland with her own company, Brave Bold Drama.


'Wonderful work!'
Jill Rezzano (New Vic Theatre) on Brave Bold Drama's Production 'Wonderland'