From Stage to Ceremony
I started my career as an actor in the late 90s, spending about 10 years treading the boards with a degree of success. I performed in plays like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and The Rivals, understudied at the National Theatre, and even made it onto the telly – Hollyoaks Moving On and playing Siobhan Marsden in Emmerdale for 18 months.
Acting taught me everything about storytelling, bringing warmth to a room, and connecting with people. But as any actor will tell you, the acting gods are a capricious bunch. Some years were brilliant, others... less so.
My side hustle became my main gig. For the past 20-odd years, I've worked in West End box office, sales and marketing, working on some incredible shows – War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, My Neighbour Totoro, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, MAMMA MIA!, and more. I've worked at venues up Shaftesbury Avenue, the London Palladium, Theatre Royal Drury Lane – all the biggies.
The Turn Toward Celebrancy
But here's the thing. This year, I turned 50.
I really wanted to get back to my creative roots.
For ages, I'd been sitting with the idea of celebrancy, thinking I'd need to go through the council registrar route. Then I heard a podcast about independent celebrants, and it was as if a light came on.
I researched training providers and found the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, who seemed vibrant, community-based, and thorough. They gave me the springboard I needed to launch this new chapter.
Why Celebrancy?
My friends describe me as funny, warm, kind, and empathetic. I want to connect with people in a different way – to be part of their life stories at moments that truly matter.
I got married this year, after 17 years with my partner. I used all my training to help create our own bespoke ceremony, and it was pure magic.
The Ideals of the film Moulin Rouge are ‘Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love’ -in other words, everybody is welcome here.
That's how I feel about celebrancy and being part of people's journeys.
My Approach to Ceremonies
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Warmth, creativity, and a big dollop of fun
that's what you'll get with me.
My ceremonies aren't stuffy or formulaic. They're filled with laughter, joy, and moments that make you go "yes, that's so us!" I bring my theatre background, my love of storytelling, and my genuine care for people into every ceremony I create.
Want something traditional? Great. Want something wildly alternative? Even better. Want something in between? Perfect.
The beauty of independent celebrancy is that anything you like can be written into your ceremony. It's your story, and what sets me apart is my ability to put you at ease and tell that story authentically.
What Guides My Work
Two big principles drive everything I do:
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Collaboration
We work together to craft your ceremony. Whether you've got a clear vision or need inspiration, I'm here to guide you through it. Regular check-ins, questionnaires, planning guides – we'll create something brilliant together.
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Celebration
I'm passionate about celebrating your past, present, and exciting future in a way that only you can. But remember: I'm only a supporting role. You're the stars, and I want you to get the standing ovation you deserve.
A Bit More About Me
When I'm not crafting ceremonies, you'll find me:
At the cinema with my family
Having friends round for dinner
Walking in Epping Forest
Running in Epping Forest - this is a WORK in progress!
Lino printing
Hanging out with my cat, Lonny.
People watching with a brew
I live in East London. It is a colourful, vibrant community with people at the heart of it and I genuinely adore hearing people's stories.
