Myrtle Theatre Company

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Who We Are

Myrtle Theatre Company, based at the dynamic Tobacco Factory in Bristol, is led by Artistic Director, Heather Williams and Administrative Director, Hilary Davis.

We work with a network of highly experienced professional theatre practitioners – writers, directors, designers, composers, choreographers, performers, musicians, technicians and stage managers, together with skilled workshop facilitators and support workers. All understand the working practice of the company and share our vision.

We also work closely with our patron, Catherine Johnson, whose support and artistic mentoring is invaluable to the work.

"I am so proud to be Myrtle Theatre Company's patron - theatre should be for everyone, not just the privileged few and I totally support the work Myrtle Theatre Company does in taking theatre to the wider community."

Catherine Johnson

In addition, we are advised by a number of professionals from within health, education and government.

"Their expert use of theatre technique and practice, coupled with a sensitivity and care for each child or young person involved demonstrates the sort of high quality artistic work with vulnerable children that NCB supports and encourages."

Helen Chambers
National Children's Bureau

We are committed to developing a number of young artists at the beginning of their career and offer training placements on a regular basis.

...and who is Myrtle?

Myrtle is a character from "Myrtle on the Mainline", a spirited play by Lucy Catherine, which was the company's first production.
Myrtle is a resilient and resourceful girl who embarks on a journey allowing her to step beyond the confines of her world giving her an awareness of choice and the possibility of change.
We feel a great deal of affection towards this quirky character.

Myrtle Theatre Company was originally founded in April 2004 by Heather Williams and Hilary Davis, the current directors and Angela Athay-Hunt who continues to work with us on a freelance basis.

Heather Williams
Heather brings a wealth of professional experience to Myrtle Theatre Company. She graduated from the University of Hull with an honours degree in Drama and English. Her extensive acting career spans regional producing and touring theatre, theatre in education, radio, film and television, both as a performer and presenter. From 1991 to 2004 she worked at Bristol Old Vic as an actor, director and senior manager, in addition to building an Education and Youth Theatre Department, which under her direction gained a national reputation for excellence. Whilst at Bristol Old Vic Heather was responsible for delivering groundbreaking outreach projects and major Youth Theatre and Summer Course productions as well as directing a number of professional studio, main house and site specific performances. As Artistic Director of Myrtle Theatre Company Heather is responsible for the artistic policy and delivery of the projects, continuing to build on her skills as an actor, director, workshop facilitator, trainer and educator.

Hilary Davis
The majority of Hilary's career has been in arts administration. Having studied Drama as part of a degree, she specialised by taking further business courses. After creating and managing a number of successful businesses, she was appointed as Administrator at The Oxford School of Drama where alongside taking the school through successful accreditation, she was involved in the development of innovative new courses. She joined the Bristol Old Vic initially as Assistant to the Artistic Director before expanding the role of Administrator in the Education Department with responsibility for the management of all in-house activities and outreach projects. As Administrative Director of Myrtle Theatre Company, Hilary is responsible for the management of all projects and the company’s business strategy.