UK theatre director, playwright & creative leader
THIS IS ME.
(I'm the one on the right)
SARAH PUNSHON
Audiences and Stories
I've directed on the main stage at theatres such as Salisbury Playhouse, the Watermill, Leeds Playhouse, the New Vic and Theatre by the Lake; co-created innovative site-specific, digital & studio work;
and collaborated with commercial producers on national tours.
I love audiences. All kinds, but especially families.
Favourite recent projects include Jessica Swale's version of The Jungle Book for Oldham Coliseum 2022 ("two hours of sheer joy" Northern Soul); Hattie Naylor’s unique take on The Three Musketeers (nominated for the UK Theatre Award for Best Production for Children and Young People 2018); and Daniel Bye's solo-and-a-half show Arthur (winner of a Scotsman Fringe First 2019).
I trained at Cambridge University, the Royal Scottish Conservatoire, on the Regional Theatres Young Directors Scheme (West Yorkshire Playhouse 2003-2005) and on the BBC Drama Directors Academy (2006).
I was a Clore Leadership Fellow 2010/11, mentored by Sir Richard Eyre.
I was Artistic Director of The Dukes Lancaster 2017-2019 and am currently Artistic Director of One Tenth Human.
"a must-see family show for kids and parents alike"
A Younger Theatre on The Box of Photographs
by Daniel Jamieson
Polka Theatre
“This is family theatre of the highest quality”
Northern Soul on Peter Pan
adapted by Sarah Punshon
The Dukes Lancaster
photo credit: Joel Fildes
“Dazzling debut play... fine direction”
Observer on Don't You Leave Me Here
by Clare Brown
West Yorkshire Playhouse
photo credit: Keith Pattison
“A witty, imaginative lightness of touch characterises every aspect"
Observer on The Three Musketeers
adapted by Hattie Naylor
The Dukes Lancaster & Williamson Park
photo credit: Claire Griffiths
“Nifty, old-school and fun”