Hi, I’m Mark. I’ve just started working as Creative Director at The Garage. I directed Rapunzel last Christmas – did you see it?! Now I oversee The Garage’s artistic programme across participation, artist development and programming the auditorium.
I’m a rural, working-class Suffolk boy who has been living in Norwich for the last eight years. As far as you can trace back, my family were Suffolk farm labourers. As connected as I felt to the countryside, I didn’t fancy following in my father’s footsteps. I wanted to tell stories. Expressing myself through stories was the only way that made sense when I was young, so naturally, I was drawn to a career in the arts. It’s not an easy road, but I’ve been fortunate that, throughout my life, a handful of mentors recognised my natural talent and encouraged me to plough my own path.
Following graduation from drama school, I returned to East Anglia to set up my own theatre company – The Keeper’s Daughter – and dedicate my life to making work in my home region. For the last three years, I’ve worked in Lowestoft, developing early career programmes for young people. Prior to that, I toured all over the eastern region, taking quirky adaptations of classic novels to loads of interesting community spaces, including theatres, village halls, pubs, clubs, and churches. We took up residency at the world-renowned Biddy’s Tea Room with A Christmas Carol for several years, and my most recent tour of H. G. Wells’ The Time Machine toured all over the country to five-star reviews. Now it’s time for a new challenge.
I first stepped foot inside The Garage in 2005, when my college course performed in the NT Connections Festival. My relationship with the organisation continued a decade later when my theatre company took part in the inaugural scratch night. We were then invited to continue developing our work at the venue, and the support we received was career-enhancing.
Having the experience of two decades making work for the stage and screen, I have been particularly focused on giving back to the artistic community that has nurtured me. Perhaps becoming a father in recent years has made me reconsider my direction through the creative landscape. I still enjoy making work, and now that I have experience to help and to guide others, I wish to ensure the highest quality artistic experience for as many storytellers as possible. My role at The Garage will offer me the opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s lives from ages 0 to 100! So, if you happen to be between those ages – and if you’re reading this, I’ll assume you are – and would like to get more creative, come and chat with me. We could have a programme of classes or professional artistic development that could suit your ambitions.
My name is Mark. My title is Creative Director. I live in Norwich with my wife and son. I’m a New Romantic, an early modern history enthusiast, and I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Having Suffolk roots does mean I proudly support a certain football team on the other side of the border, but don’t hold that against me. You’ll find me at The Garage. Come and say hello. I’d love to hear your story. Hope to meet you soon.