about Playback Theatre

Andy Blackwell

Became a freelance artist following a Fifteen-year career as a Social Worker. Early experience as a performer and TIE practitioner encouraged a transition back to the arts in 2004. He now uses a variety of creative approaches including: sculpture, poetry and song in his work with schools and community groups. Andy is a singer/songwriter with his Rock 'n Roll band, Pastor Black. He has written and directed several theatre pieces and created an alter ego Simone Du Bar Bar. As a founder member of Mirror Mirror he has been practicing Playback for 6 years.

Amanda Brown

Studied Dance at Arts Educational School, London and went on to a career in theatre, television and as a Choreographer. She made a transition into education, running a Steiner-based kindergarten for 5 years and then developing pastoral work in a local primary school. She has directed holistic holidays in Greece and Spain, running workshops in movement for personal development. She has been involved with Playback Theatre since 1995 and is now a graduate of the Centre for Playback Theatre. She is a founder member of Mirror Mirror and Co-director of Playback Theatre South West and Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre Company.

Arnet Donkin

Graduated as a drama teacher in 1984, developing his career in both mainstream and special schools, where he held school leadership posts. Most recently he has worked as a school improvement advisor for a local authority specializing in equality, diversity and inclusion, skills that he brings strongly into his Playback practice. A founder member of Mirror Mirror Playback Theatre, Arnet trained through the UK School of Playback as a Playback Practitioner and recently founded a new company: Queer Playback Theatre. He is currently studying Creative Conflict Transformation through the Arts at University College Plymouth.

Alison Fairlove

Trained at Bretton Hall and went on to work in Theatre-in-Education. After five formative years in India she trained and worked as a Counsellor with particular focus on women who have experienced sexual and domestic abuse. Alison has been involved in Playback Theatre since 1995 and graduated in New York in 2008. She is a founder member of Mirror Mirror and Co-director of Playback Theatre South West and Tarte Noire Women’s Playback Theatre Company. Alison offers training in Playback Theatre both here and internationally. Alison loves spending time in the wild and natural world.

Kate Hewett

Studied English and Drama at The University Of Manchester, specialising in Theatre with Young Offenders and in TIE. As a graduate she discovered 'The Fool' and began a journey of creative and personal discovery through theatre improvisation. She met Playback Theatre in 2006 on a PTSW training and joined Mirror Mirror in 2007. She has led theatre workshops with many Youth and Community Companies including Avon Community Theatre, The Northcott Theatre and TR2 and enjoys exploring the empowering process theatre has to offer.