I attended Surbiton from 2003-2013 and it seems like not that long ago I was applying for universities and making the important decision of what I would choose to pursue.
 
I have just started rehearsals for Cognitions, a show I have created with my own theatre company SpeakUp. Cognitions was originally performed in June at the Garage, Norwich, to sell out audiences. The play is focused around a mother, Joanna, her daughter, Niamh, and the way in which bipolar disorder shapes their relationship. The play takes place in the few days before Niamh is due to leave for university and explores the complexities of mother/daughter relationships, co-dependency and most importantly the journey to seeking help.
 
We have just received the exciting news that Cognitions has been chosen for the National Student Drama Festival (NSDF) of which 150 shows enter and 14 get picked. We are also taking the show to Edinburgh Fringe this August as we want as many people to see it as possible. Theatre is a powerful platform for social change and we want to shed light on problems that young people are facing. Cognitions explores mental illness and it’s effect on family relationships; 1 in 4 people suffer from some kind of mental ill health and it is vital these stories are represented in theatre to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
During my time at Surbiton I was particularly engaged with Drama and Psychology and it’s interesting that I have combined these two subjects in the theatre I create. My teachers inspired me to always create work of a high standard and strive to better the lives of others: this is what my theatre company aims to do. I look forward to visiting again and speaking to Drama students about the process of creating your own company.