MEET THE TEAM
Ryan Philpott |
Artistic Director
Ryan trained at The National Youth Theatre & LAMDA and founded Dickens Theatre Company in 2015.
ACTOR
From 2015-2022 Ryan acted in all DTC productions, under the direction of Eric Richard. He played Robert Louis Stevenson/ Inspector Newcomen in Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Bill Sikes/ Magwitch/ Pickwick in The Trials of Charles Dickens and every male part in Macbeth except Malcolm and Ross!
Since 2018 he has performed DTC’s renowned two-actor adaptation of A Christmas Carol annually playing 20 different characters. He’ll be back on the road with ACC Nov/Dec 2024.
His other notable theatre work (that his fading brain can recall) includes the UK tour of Blood Brothers, The Limestone Cowboy at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and Aspects of Love/ Jack & the Giant/ Volcano/ Perfect Wedding and Girls’ Night Out all at Palace Theatre in his home town of Westcliff.
On TV Ryan played Sergeant Matthew Thyme in all 3 series of Rosemary & Thyme and since 2007 has played the semi-regular role of Sergeant Kenny Morris in Eastenders.
Other roles include Eddie Walker in London's Burning and DJ Dr Fox in Harry Hill's TV Burp.
Other TV bits includes Jack Ryan, Ten Days That Rocked Elton John, Rosamunde Pilcher, Coupling, Murder in Mind, The Bill, The Queen's Nose, No Bananas, April Fools' Day, I Saw You, Rescue Me and the BAFTA winning Warriors.
WRITER / PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
Alongside his wife Mel, Ryan has written and produced all of DTC's stage adaptations to date. (Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and The Trials of Charles Dickens).
In early 2023 Ryan took over the directing reins from his great mate and mentor Eric Richard and directed Macbeth and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
As a former NYT member Ryan has directed many of their summer intake courses as well as many years leading The Schools Shakespeare Festival.
For TV and radio Ryan has directed a variety of commercials, sport, drama and comedy. He is co-owner of Deadpan Films and has written, directed and produced a number of award winning short films.
Deadpan Films are currently in development for a new comedy action movie 'Vomit Comet'. It’s a working title.
“Since DTC began in 2015, we have maintained one clear objective... to breathe new life into classic literature with fresh & exciting stage adaptations.
Whether you are a student, a teacher, a parent or just a lover of literature & theatre we hope you enjoy our shows.
”
Paul Higgs | Original Music Composer & MD
Paul is a highly accomplished and respected trumpet player with an impressive career in many fields including performing, composing and arranging music for film, TV and theatre. After early life as a leading musician in NYJO, Paul was a Musical Director for many years for the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. Paul has established himself as a versatile musician, equally at home playing jazz, classical, or contemporary music.
Highlights: Angel Award - co-composer, Ivor Novello nomination - arranger, Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, Ronnie Scott’s, Stables, Cadogan Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Berlin Concert Hall, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘Pavane’ no.1 in One World Music charts, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, NYJO, Chris Ingham Quartet, Mel Brimfield.
Paul is currently writing and developing his next big project, a new musical ‘The Boy With The Green Hair’.
Mel Philpott | Producer & Education Consultant
Mel is co-producer and education consultant at DTC. With over 30 years’ experience in both mainstream and SEN education. Mel is passionate about the importance of theatre and literature being accessible to all. Mel works closely with the schools who attend our performances and stay for our Q&A sessions, ensuring the pupils gain a valuable experience to both aid their understanding of the GCSE texts and an enjoyment of visiting a theatre and getting to speak with the actors.
Mel is also extremely proud of the incredible job she did painting our fabulous set!
Dan ‘Wiggles’ Stephens | Production Manager
Since starting out as a theatre technician, Dan has had the pleasure of working on countless shows, festivals and concerts. Since the pandemic, Dan made the move into production management and has since worked on various UK Concert Tours, along with DTC’s Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Macbeth and A Christmas Carol.
Sophie Kettle Smith | Associate Director
Sophie studied film at King’s College London. Before joining Dickens Theatre Company as assistant director, she worked as assistant art director to Julia Lowe and has directed two short films (Reconnected, 2020) and (Soltada, 2021).
Louise Swain | Marketing Manager
Louise joined DTC in early 2023, heading up all things design and social media. Louise also works as a social media manager for Thameside Theatre, Grays.
