Previous creative company

Director of The Myth of Escape

Having graduated from the University of Salford in 2006 with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts John's propensity for all things “dramatic” led him to establish the Laughingmonsta Theatre Company and in 2011 found Drawlight Productions.

Directing Credits include: Loot, Love of a Nightingale, Pornography, The Bald Prima Donna, The Language of Terror, Wind in the Willows, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, But is this the Real Thing? (Chester Gateway Theatre) and most recently a night of rehearsed readings for Theatre Uncut at The Liverpool Everyman Theatre.

June - Nov 2011

Actor: Billy in The Myth of Escape

Originally from Stockport, James graduated from The Arden School of Theatre in 2009 where he received a 1st in Professional Stage Practice. Since then he has co-written and starred in his award winning comedy Working Title.

James and co-writer Adam Davies are currently penning their new play, The Twelve Labours Of Dave, to be completed later in the year. After playing the role of Groark in Rid The World, James is thrilled to be involved with Rob Johnston's work once again.

James is also looking forward to making his television debut on Scott & Bailey, a new ITV Police Drama, airing in May 2011.

June - Nov 2011

Actor: Alex in The Myth of Escape

Andrew graduated with a 1st Class BA (Hons) degree in Acting from The Arden School of Theatre in 2009. During his time there he played roles including Giles Corey in The Crucible, Gennaro in Napoli Milionaria and Evans in The Sea. Since graduating he has worked on a number of tours for TIE company Collingwood Learning, including Team Leading their flagship programme, Smashed; and Rob Johnston's previous play Rid The World. He has also made his TV debut as a Prison Officer in Emmerdale. Andrew is delighted to be acting in The Myth of Escape and is very proud to be working with Breathe Out Theatre and Happystorm Theatre.

June - Nov 2011

Writer of The Myth of Escape

Artistic Director of Breathe Out Theatre

Rob Johnston is a Manchester based writer. His work has been produced across the north-west, Scotland, London, and the Isle of Man. He had three plays in the 24-7 Festival from 2005-2008 including Now Breathe Out which won the Best New Writing award at Studio Salford. Fencing for Losers was on at The Lowry Studio and was long-listed for The Kings Award for New Writing at The Courtyard, London. His most recent work Under My Skin, Einstein’s Daughter, and Rid The World all toured extensively to enthusiastic audiences and 5-star reviews. The Airborne Adventures of Elisabeth and Jeanne is currently touring. He will begin work later in the year on The Rest is Silence for Project Korova in Preston. Visit Breathe Out's website.

The Myth of Escape is a co-production with Breathe Out Theatre

June - Nov 2011

Stage Manager for The Myth of Escape tour

Guide for The Crypt Project

Robin has previously worked for PhD researcher Uwe Gröschel investigating new paradigms of audience research. In July 2011, Robin joined the PANDA team as Future Jobs Fund coordinator.

In March 2010 she directed and acted in a production of Ionesco’s ‘La Cantatrice Chauve’ which was performed as part of Contact theatre’s Palaver Festival.

In her spare time, Robin enjoys writing, clowning and music. Her alter-ego, Scary Wollstonecraft, plays roller derby, a fast-paced contact sport played on quad skates, for Manchester Roller Derby.

May - Nov 2011

Feb 2011 - July 2011

Film Maker / Editor

Cardboard Canvass, The Crypt Project, The Myth of Escape trailer, Richard III projection film

Mike studied Photography at The University of Northumbria, and has been involved in visual media for 20 years.
He now specialises in Film Making and Editing, and has produced a number of Independent films and worked on the BBC series Turn Back Time.

Set Designer

The Crypt Project and The Myth of Escape

Originally from Stockport, Katie graduated from The Nottingham Trent University in 2010 with a degree in Theatre Design BA(Hons). Katie has a particular interest in verbatim and documenatry style performance and has always been passionate about local history and communities. Besides set design, Katie also makes props and puppets. Previously she has designed 'Yizkor', a school touring piece about communities destroyed by the Holocaust, for 'Borderlines' at The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-U-Lyme.

Katie designed and made the set/props for The Crypt Project and is very excited to be involved with Happystorm again for The Myth of Escape and is looking forward to the creative challenges which lie ahead.

Apr 2011 - Oct 2011

Composer

The Crypt Project: Cycles of Addiction
The Myth of Escape: Soundtrack

Apr 2011 - July 2011