Artist in Residence
I have this year been selected as Artist in Residence 2026 for KLPA (Kenwood Ladies Pond Association).
I am creating a piece of work for Lauderdale House, Highgate.
I love wild swimming and am exploring through personal practice, whether it’s possible to recreate and achieve the same sense of unrestrained vocality and breath release that swimming in these ponds encourages and emphasises.
As a regular swimmer there, I’m always struck by the sensations felt not only by the water on my skin, but by the vibrations of our voices.
Women’s voices have always been, and still are, restrained in many ways due to the roles and expectations of society.
Our voices reflect what is expected of us as women: carers, lovers, nurturers, pleasers, listeners, and our voices can become tight, shrill, breathy, high and resonances self-conscious, restrained and inauthentic.
Yet passing through the doorkeepers, into the meadows where our outside garments are stripped off and discarded, along with our responsibilities and appointments and into the cool dark waters, I hear our voices emit relief and often surprise to find ourselves in this shared space where we can truly be ourselves without judgement or fear.
I love the gentle chatter and laughter wafting over the water and imagine a time 100 years ago when women were able to strip off their outside shells and step into this very same equitable space.
As a performer and voice teacher, I am constantly looking for ways to free our natural voices.
My research as Artist in Residence focusses on the vocal effects incurred during seasonal wild swimming through analysing breathing techniques, increased resonance and vibration and I am seeking ways to imitate these effects through vocal explorations and workshops.
Passions and Pursuits
I volunteer as a dramaturg and performer with the charity ‘Scene and Heard’ in Tower Hamlets.
We work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds to boost confidence and raise aspiration through realising young imaginations on and off stage.
For many years I facilitated workshops for ‘The Garden Classroom’ a charity in Islington, London that educates children outdoors.
I welcome opportunities to share my enthusiasm for Shakespeare and warmly encourage young adults to use their voices as much as possible!
Equity Audio Committee
I’m a passionate advocate for better inclusivity in all areas and my work.
Whilst on the Equity Audio Committee I implemented diversity and inclusion strategies with Audible to enable and support artists who don’t have a ‘hand up’ in the business.
I researched and edited the online Equity Audio Guide so that people new to the audio industry can access relevant and useful information about how to work in their area of interest.
I collaborated with BBC Radio Drama to ensure storytelling remains on the airwaves.
Audio drama is an incredible gateway for young actors to learn vocal craft.
Passions:
I practice hot and cold yoga, swim wild and improv jazz piano.
