Learning How to Dive: Creative team

Darren is an actor, director, writer and dramaturg with 3 decades of experience creating ambitious, socially engaged theatre across the UK. He co-founded Damn Cheek in 2013 with the aim of widening access to theatre through high-quality, professional work, deep community collaboration and authentic storytelling.

Darren’s own pathway into theatre was shaped by the support and encouragement of his secondary school drama teacher, and this formative influence continues to inform his practice. His work is driven by a belief in theatre’s capacity to create lasting ripple effects – supporting individuals, amplifying unheard voices and strengthening communities. As a performer, Darren has worked extensively in leading regional theatres, on national tours and in the West End, alongside appearances in film and television. Prior to founding Damn Cheek, he was Associate Director of Krazy Kat Theatre Company, touring widely in sign-integrated productions. A fluent British Sign Language user, he has long championed accessible and inclusive performance, and has also held associate roles with UnFit Productions, YCT and Kipper Tie. Since 1997, Darren has written and developed a wide range of original plays and adaptations. Current projects include Spilling the Beans! – a large-scale, site-specific community theatre project in Gateshead; Transitions, a primary schools tour exploring mental and emotional wellbeing; and a new performance centring authentic voices and lived experience of disordered eating. He continues to develop Damn Cheek’s hybrid live and online work, expanding the possibilities of digital and participatory performance. Alongside his artistic practice, Darren is an experienced trainer, facilitator and role-player, working nationally and internationally with organisations including NHS trusts, the BBC Academy and the National Bank of Pakistan. He is also a fully qualified individual, relationship and group psychotherapist, a background that underpins his care-led, ethical and impactful approach to theatre-making.

Willie has performed with Gay Sweatshop, Red Shift and the Northcott Theatre Exeter, and for over 10 years was resident Pantomime Dame at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

He has extensive experience as an actor–director and facilitator in Theatre for Children, Theatre for Young People and Theatre in Education. For 11 years he was Associate Artist at Theatre Centre London, developing professional theatre for young audiences.

Willie also works as an audio describer and now trains describers across the globe. Currently part of the audio description team at the National Theatre, he also provides audio introductions for the Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet and English National Opera. He described the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games and the Sochi Winter Paralympics for Channel 4.

Willie has actively contributed to Damn Cheek since its early days and now brings his expertise and experience in Education, Children’s and Young People’s Theatre to support Damn Cheek’s work in these areas.

Mandy is a highly experienced, qualified BSL Interpreter with 27 years of professional practice. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, she is still based in the region. Her work primarily focuses on office-based Access to Work interpreting, alongside extensive experience in healthcare and mental health settings. Alongside this, she has a strong passion for theatre and live performance. Her theatre work includes award ceremonies, music festivals, stage productions, pantomime and stand-up comedy. Mandy is delighted to be working with Damn Cheek once again, having previously collaborated on Brendan Murray’s Monday’s Child in Gateshead, and looks forward to joining them on this exciting new project.

Brendan has worked with Damn Cheek on many occasions, most recently in Time After Time – which marked his return to acting after a gap of nearly 40 years. Originally from Manchester, he trained and worked as an actor before turning to teaching, writing and directing, and over the years he’s taught at many of the UK’s leading drama schools. His plays – particularly those for young audiences – have been (and happily still are) performed around the world, and his work as a director includes productions in regional Rep, on the national touring circuit and across the London Fringe. Like the good northerner he is, he lives on the south coast and you can find out more about him on his website.

Karen (pronouns: she/her) is an older, Queer actor, director, workshop facilitator, access support worker, creative enabler and mental health survivor from working-class Nottingham roots.

Karen is Co-Artistic Director of Damn Cheek. She has over 30 years’ experience as a theatre practitioner, during which time she also worked as a relief mental health recovery support worker.

Understanding and acknowledging her own story saved Karen’s life. Being allowed to be creative has been, and continues to be, a vital part of her recovery and well-being.

Karen has had the amazing opportunity and experience of performing and touring both nationally and internationally on mainstream stages – from Brazil to the Barbican and beyond. She has also had the thrill of acting on TV, radio and in a number of short independent films, playing a variety of mums, social workers, therapists and art teachers. Plus a super hero…

It is, though, through her work with companies such as Red Ladder, Theatre Centre, Graeae, Diverse City, Damn Cheek and – in the 80s – her own company RandomPact, that Karen has grown artistically, politically and personally. These companies were and are made up of artists who strongly believe that culture and creativity should be accessible to and for us all, and that stories which still remain untold should be told.

Karen is thrilled to be part of Learning How to Dive.