Education

"His Great gifts as teacher and communicator are constantly in evidence" - Gabriel Byrne, actor (see Testimonials for full reference).

Jonathan has recently discovered a passion and aptitude for working with students and has directed the following fully staged final year Graduation Public Performances. Many of these students have gone on to work with Jonathan professionally (e.g. Royal Exchange, Shakespeare's Globe etc).

2006: Royal College Of Music. Britten International Opera Course. Directed scenes from Mozart operas in the original languages.

"He is an inspirational teacher and director who elicits astonishing performances... He is a joy to work with." - Christopher Middleton. Conductor of project and Assistant Head of Music, Royal College of Music (see Testimonials for full reference).

2009: East 15 Post Grad. THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA (main Stage, Battersea Arts Centre.)

"A really intelligent, moving production and very good acting. Well done. " - Jack Shepherd, actor, writer director.

2013 Royal Academy of Music. Scenes from 4 operas

"This group of young people are getting a terrific start in Life... Well done" - Brian Dickie, Director Chicago Opera Theater.

"I have had such a great time and you taught me so much about my character. Brilliant! Thanks." - cast member.

 

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London

Jonathan has directed five full length final year public productions for five years running.

"Jonathan has directed five final year productions at RADA. This is more than any other external director during my tenure as Director. We have invited Jonathan back with such regularity as he has proved himself capable of drawing remarkable performances from our students over a wide range of material....We are delighted that an artist of Jonathan's expertise and experience shares our passion for developing the future artists of the British theatre." - Edward Kemp. Director. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. (see Testimonials for full reference).

 

RADA Productions

2013: BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter

"One of the best productions of a Pinter play I have ever seen. Exceptional." - Michael Kingsbury. Artistic Director, White Bear Theatre and Director at West Yorks Playhouse and West End

"I have absolutely loved this and have learned so much. Thank you." - cast member

2009: CRIMES IN HOT COUNTRIES by Howard Barker

"Congratulations. Very good work" - Howard Barker.
"One of the best productions I've ever seen. Wonderful performances." - Alan Rickman

2010: OUR LADY OF SLIGO by Sebastian Barry

"Brilliant production and acting. Superb use of music." - Mark Anthony Turnage
"Wonderful" - David Morrissey.

2011: ASHES AND SAND by Judy Upton

"Such a good production. Wonderful acting" - Greg Hersov. Artistic Director, Royal Exchange

2012: THE ACID TEST by Anya Reiss

"Thank you for everything. You don't know what this experience has meant to me... It's been life changing, honestly." - Final year student in cast

 

Two day Shakespeare Workshop. Actors Centre, London. One day Screen Acting Workshop. 2014

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the course this week, I feel that you have given me the tools that will allow me to approach Shakespeare with confidence, joy and enthusiasm for a lifetime." - Simon Haycock, actor

Two of the actors very shortly after got their first professional Shakespearean roles.

"I've recently been cast in Troilus and Cressida and Coriolanus...I honestly don't think I could have got these parts having not done the workshop with you! Thank you." - Simon Haycock, actor

Following the success of these workshops Actors Centre London have already invited Jonathan back this year.

"The Bacchae" BADA (British American Drama Academy, London) April 2014

"Jonathan directed his own adaptation of The Bacchae for BADA- a vivid piece of writing,and a theatrical ‘event’ in every sense of the word.He knows how to get wonderfully committed work from young actors,and his work as a director blends powerful images,precise choreography with textual rigour and passion.His enthusiasm fills the room, and the results are always exciting. I look forward to welcoming him back to BADA." - Ian Wooldridge. Dean and Director, British American Drama Academy

"That was really one of the formative experiences of my life. I've played nothing but supporting parts and comic relief roles and it was really a confidence boost to the nth degree to be taken seriously like that. I don't think I'd be making the decision to go into theatre if you hadn't inspired me too." - Jack Sullivan, student, Chicago

Jonathan has already been invited back to BADA next year.

 

Drama Centre, London

2007

A Contemporary Writer Project where Jonathan workshopped his new play FALL FROM LIGHT with final Year students.

2010

Drama Centre ask Jonathan back to workshop another new play of his with final year students.

 

Mountview Academy

2012: GLENGARRY GLENROSS by David Mamet. Jacksons Lane Theatre, London

"A fine production which both challenged and developed the students and one of which we can all feel very proud." - Sue Robertson, Principal

2013: He was asked back by Mountview to direct ANYTHING GOES by Cole Porter

"This was such a good show. Funny. Slick. Beautifully directed and performed. I was convinced I was watching a professional, pre west end run. The very best was drawn from a wonderful young cast." - Stewart Copeland