Actor
John studied at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now The Royal Scottish Conservatoire) in Glasgow.

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On graduating he worked with theatre companies throughout Scotland, appearing in productions in Perth (directors Joan Knight, Chris Dunham & Andrew McKinnon) Dundee (director Stephen Macdonald), Edinburgh (directors John Abulafia & Peter Farago), Ochtertyre (director David Birch) and touring the Highlands & Islands with Pitlochry Festival Theatre (director David Birch) 

 

Writing
John is currently writing and developing a television documentary series about how people with autism are treated so differently in different cultures (see News). He is writing a comedy series about 2 odd brothers and a glove puppet called “Up front and under the table.”  And developing a film “ Sylvia” based on the struggle his beautiful Anglo Indian Mum had raising 5 kids on her own in 1960’s Newcastle in the aftermath of her violent marriage to his WW2 hero English Dad. He is also writing a one man show based on his, and his siblings, upbringing in the North East of England in the 1950’s and 60’s called “The Geordindians”.

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From the mid 1980’s through to the late ‘90’s John wrote, themed, presented and performed live comedy routines in huge venues for corporate events around the U.K and Europe with writer/director Rick Platt. Their clients included, I.B.M., Ford Motor Company, HewlettPackard, HSBC, CarlsbergTetley, Ansells, Whitbread, Whirlpool, SmithKlineBeecham. He also co-wrote, with Rick Platt, screenplays of “Operation  Elvis” and “A Clergyman’s Daughter” as well as comedy shows – “In the lap of the Gods” and “Cockley’s Customs”.

 

Presentation Skills Training
Through his work on stage in the corporate arena John was often asked to work with and advise conference speakers - even the most experienced - on their presentation skills. Studying the most effective public speakers, from all walks of life, and using the skills and techniques he has developed during 50 years as a professional performer, John has created a concise Presentation Skills Workshop, which is suitable for anybody called upon to make a presentation, whether in a small meeting room or at a mass outdoor rally.

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The course can be easily constructed to suit individual tuition or classes of up to 20 people. It can also be tailored to create maximum confidence in nervous beginners or used as an excellent refresher course for experienced speakers. The course for groups is 6 hours (approx.) including breaks. Individual sessions will be 2- 3 hours (approx.). For seven years John ran the presentation skills training for Cheshire County Council’s Planning Department.

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John’s prices are exceptionally competitive and represent unbeatable value in an, often, over priced market. Prices are available on application.

 

Teaching
John is often invited to lecture/chat to students at various Drama schools and Film schools. Due to his extensive work experience John is very aware of what is required of an actor when employed to work on a film or T.V. set. John’s classes take students on a light-hearted journey through the “do’s “ and “please don’t do’s”  from the second you get the job to the final wrap. As a contrast to this he combines the chat/lecture with intense, high emotion “acting on camera” workshops. A day of smiles and tears – apart from a leading role, a good agent and free food what more could an acting student want?