Performing arts has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It brought me out of my shell growing up and introduced me to creativity, storytelling, music, stage lights, and the buzz of making an audience laugh. I’ve never been afraid to act a fool on stage or camera, and that passion eventually led me into careers across performing arts and education, including teaching, theatre in education, stage schools, and professional performance.

Taking on Footlights Tameside was an easy choice because I truly believe every child deserves the chance to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Performing arts builds far more than performance skills. It develops confidence, communication, resilience, teamwork, and friendships that stay with children for life. Creating a space where children feel comfortable being themselves, taking creative risks, and enjoying learning is something I’m passionate about. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve been moved to tears of pride watching a group or individual child step out of their comfort zone and succeed, thrive and have fun on stage!

The most rewarding part is watching children grow in confidence week by week. One child once described Footlights as “a second family,” and honestly, that perfectly sums up the welcoming, supportive environment we work so hard to create. That is without doubt the best thing about being part of Footlights. When you hit a block and need some uplift, it’s there, whether it be through words of encouragement, support with workload or sharing those all-important resources and experiences, the Footlights Group widens the sense of family that forms the golden thread of our own franchises.