I was honoured to win Young Actor of Mann back in 1996, while studying under the tuition of the wonderful Jacqui Hawkes. At the time, the prize was a scholarship to a performing arts course, provided by Anglia Summer Schools. My time studying with these exceptional musicians, actors and singers inspired me to audition for drama school. So, with help from Jacqui at Stage One, Paul Kane at Ballakermeen High School and my wonderful dance teacher, Christine Wild I was able to gain a place at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where I honed my craft and earned a BA (hons) in Performance at their campus in North London.

My professional career was varied, to say the least: From the European tour of The Frankenstein Follies to ITV’s Bad Girls to originating the role of Cleopatra in Lady Macbeth Rewrites the Rulebook. No job was too big or too small and I learned from each experience and from the people I met. I moved back to the Isle of Man when my son, Isaac, was born and was welcomed back into the Manx Theatre scene with open arms. I have enjoyed several incredible roles back at the Gaiety Theatre, including Rizzo in grease, Anita in West Side Story, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz pantomime and the one woman show, Shirley Valentine, among others.

I am now director of Stage Door Entertainment, who’s recent production of Calendar Girls the Musical raised over £46,000 for charity. I am also vice principle of the Stage Door Academy and hope to inspire my students, the way my teachers inspired me. Young Actor of Mann was a huge part of my journey, and I will be forever grateful for that.