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CLEO.

Struggling with writer's block and an impossible deadline, an author turns to an AI assistant to help him finish his novel.

A dark comedy written and directed by Matthew Swan.

Starring Kerry Shale, with the voice of Ryn Smith.

About

I am a theatre director and filmmaker with a particular interest in Shakespeare, contemporary writing and work created for unconventional spaces. My productions combine a strong visual identity with close attention to text, performance and the experience of the audience.

I approach directing through structure, action and collaboration. In rehearsal, I work with actors to develop detailed relationships, clear intentions and a shared understanding of the world of the piece. Design and technical elements are integral to that world, but always serve the performers and the story.

My work ranges from large-scale outdoor Shakespeare and site-specific performance to intimate contemporary scenes, devised physical theatre and short film. Across these forms, I am interested in how familiar stories can be reconsidered for contemporary audiences without losing their complexity.

I am based in the UK and currently completing an MA in Theatre Directing at East 15 Acting School

Photo by Emma Duder

Contact

I’m open to collaborations, assistant-directing opportunities, and new writing conversations.

Productions

Production Playwright Venue Company Year
Weyward Sisters Devised Physical Theatre East 15 Acting School East 15 Acting School 2026
Seal Team Six Devised Site-Specific Clapham Laundry East 15 Acting School 2026
Living Scarecrows Improvisation East 15 Acting School East 15 Acting School 2025
Monster Duncan Macmillan East 15 Acting School East 15 Acting School 2025
Birdland Simon Stephens East 15 Acting School East 15 Acting School 2025
Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare Markeaton Park, Derby Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company 2024
A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare RSC Dell Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company 2023
A Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare Markeaton Park, Derby Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company 2023
Richard II William Shakespeare Shakespeare House, Derby Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company 2019

Directing

Three performers in black hold wooden staffs during Weyward Sisters, a physical theatre piece inspired by Macbeth and featuring Song of the Goat Theatre, with minimalist staging, ensemble movement, and ritualistic performance imagery.

Photo by Anna Lewis

Qualification Institution Year
MA Theatre Directing East 15 Acting School 2026
MEd Educational Leadership University of Birmingham 2023

Training

  • Shakespeare and heightened text

  • New writing

  • Improvisation and devising

  • Site-specific direction

  • Physical Theatre (Song of the Goat)

  • Outdoor performance

  • Workshop facilitation

  • Collaborative rehearsal processes

Skills

Photo by Lilian Cheung

Reviews

“A director with a strong vision and the ability to steer the cast to achieve his desired outcomes” - East Midlands Theatre.

“Modernising Romeo and Juliet proved to be a winning choice, resonating with current issues” - Elemental Theatre.

“A must-see production full of magic and mischief in a stunning setting” - Theatre Whippet.

“Impressive directorial debut” - Theatre Whippet.

Paul sits slumped and guarded at a table, arms folded, as two detectives lean in close to interrogate him under stark stage lighting in a tense scene from Birdland by Simon Stephens.