The Company

Bernadette Wakeling

Bernadette studied Commedia dell’ Arte at Exeter University and then trained with Antonio Fava at the SCUOLA INTERNATIONALE DI COMMEDIA DELL’ ARTE. She later gained a PGCE at Cambridge University. Bernadette formed The Complete Commedia Co in 2016, formalising decades of touring experience and working in schools and the local community. Bernadette has introduced Commedia dell’arte performance to Thurrock, Essex and the Southeast; she devises, directs, produces and project manages public performances in theatres, streets and schools adding animation and colour to civic and community occasions.

We are an audacious, irreverent company who dares to perform the sixteenth century, Italian, classic commedia dell’ arte (Think Hamlet performed by Basil Fawlty).

We are an established provider to schools.

We deliver high quality curriculum-linked courses; have 2 qualified teachers, two facilitators and we are 5 performers.

Our mission is to inspire young people from under-represented communities, support their teachers and create demand for live theatre in areas of low cultural engagement.

Alex Mangan

Alex graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is currently training to become a qualified teacher. Alex is the dramaturg of the company and directs the process of transferring show ideas from paper into reality and streamlines all the components on stage to create fluid performances.

Jordan Choi

Jordan graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is currently studying at the University of Kent for a Masters in Contemporary Performance Practices. Jordan takes charge of the physical choreography within scenes i.e. stage combat and general physicality for scripted work.

Tom Mangan

Tom graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is currently studying at the University of Kent for a Masters in Contemporary Performance Practices. He handles the technical side to the company’s performances creating soundtracks and imagery as well as discovering the material used in any show T3G and the Wrinkly or Rendered Retina Theatre are working on.

Associated Actors

Rachael Dowsett

Graduated in English Literature and Drama.

She is part of Insanity Theatre Company, with her most recent involvement being in the production "Lift" at the Dixon Studio. She is a former pupil at St Clere's School and Orsett C of E Primary.

Previously Associated Actors

Sarah Jennings

Sarah graduated from the University of Kingston with a degree in Dance and continued her training by going to America to teach performing arts to young people. Sarah choreographed all dance sequences in the company’s shows and also used her training in singing to assist the company with vocal work.

Ruby Henderson

Ruby is studied drama at the University of Lincoln. Whilst studying, she was a member of the "Code name: Cheese" Theatre company. She attended Palmers College and Grays School Media Arts College). Ruby studied restoration and melodrama, teaching drama and stage combat. She now focuses on performing and theatre for young audiences.

Testimonials

“Pupils benefit from experiences that enrich the curriculum. For example, a drama workshop for Year 6 pupils run by a group from a local sixth form college inspired them to use rich vocabulary and develop a cultural understanding of theatre.”

Ofsted Inspection report 7-8 March 2018, Deneholm Primary School, RM16 2SS

“In such a short time, students embraced new characters from an unknown style of theatre. In the creative hands of Bernadette and Alex, the students left behind Thurrock and transported themselves to early 16th Century Europe - capturing the fun, the wit and joy, of playful improvisations, that would captivate any audience of today. Students from Ormiston Park worked tremendously hard with this physical style of theatre showing commitment and focus. We would like to thank the Trailblazer project for introducing the wonderful world of Commedia and providing a memorable workshop building confidence and creativity. What a fantastic experience!"

Jo Bridge, Drama Curriculum Leader at Ormiston Park Academy