Crawley Creatives

Anna Smith

Anna Smith is a freelance dancer artist based in Surrey. As well as working independently she creates with Harry Wilson in a creative duo called harrynsmithy.

Harrynsmithy prioritise entertainment whilst producing light hearted and thought provoking work.

Anna was born and raised in Surrey. Her dance training started in Felbridge and from there Anna went of to schools such as The BRIT school and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary dance.

Annie Bowden

I’m Co-Founder (along with my brother Simon Casson) and Manager of The Posh Club in Crawley! The Posh Club is an anti-loneliness project for anyone over the age of 60! The experience consists of a vintage afternoon tea and Cabaret Club. Before The Posh Club I worked for many years in school catering.

I have lived and worked in Crawley for the past 30 odd years, coming to Crawley from London, when I was expecting my first daughter - I now have 2 daughters along with 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson, all born in Crawley.

Catherine Lois Sleeman

I'm a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher with a particular interest in site-specific dance work. Recently I've been exploring screen-dance (dance for film) and dance-theatre. In addition to my dance practice, I am a creative writer published by Oranges Journal and Briefly Zine.

Having grown up attending Holy Trinity school, I still live and work locally. As part of this, I facilitate Footloose Dance Group, an inclusive Crawley-based dance group for young adults with disabilities.

Chloe Bond

I began working at The Hawth Theatre as an Assistant Director for internationally acclaimed Director Sarah Slator in 2021. Since then, I have directed my own work in Crawley. I also work as the Creative Development Associate at the Hawth and have worked freelance for Creative Crawley on different projects since 2022.

I have lived in Surrey since 2020 and consider Crawley to be the centre of most of my work.

Ciara Lyons

As a freelance, multi disciplinary applied theatre practitioner I draw on my experience as an actor and artist to connect and work with local and international communities across towns and rural areas. My practice is inclusive and involves love for sport fitness through performance in safe spaces.

I love Crawley and have fond memories of growing up in my community and my passion for the arts started right here in my home town over 25+ years ago. Over the years I have worked locally and internationally as an actor in TV/ Film discovering and training in multiple art forms including; Dance, Song-writing, directing and producing.

Clare Packham

Clare Packham is a director and writer. She is a co-founder of PINCHY theatre, a non-hierarchical artist collective who create live art across the country. She is one half of Packham & Kealy, who write genre-flouting new musical theatre.

I was born in Haywards Heath, and raised in Horsham. Much of my childhood was spent around/in County Mall.

Connie Gilder

I recently graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting from the University of Winchester. During my training, I built a strong foundation in stage, screen, and voice performance, working with a mix of classical and contemporary texts that really helped me grow as a performer.

I am especially drawn to character-driven stories and collaborative projects where there’s room to explore, play, and connect creatively. I try to bring curiosity and openness to everything I do, both in rehearsal and performance.

Now that I’ve stepped into the professional world, I am excited to keep developing my craft, meet other creatives, and get involved in new projects. I am also really looking forward to seeing how space for creativity continues to grow and develop here in Crawley. It is exciting to be part of a community that’s full of talent and potential.

My Spotlight Pin - https://app.spotlight.com/5314-6722-3177
Instagram - conniegilder

I have lived and grown up in Crawley.

Elizabeth O’Toole

I am a Theatre costume Designer/ Interpreter based in Kingston/ Wimbledon. I am currently studying BA (Hons) Costume for theatre and screen at UAL Wimbledon College of Arts. I work mainly with theatre costuming but also work with Drag Artists and Musicians

I was born and raised in the neibouring town of Horsham West Sussex and am frequently working with both The Hawth, The Hawth Ampitheatre and The Capitol Theatres on Theatre performances. I have worked with these theatres for 5 years frequently with both professional productions and The Hawth Youth Theatre

Elodie Foray

Bringing queer, non-binary and autistic perspectives, insights and joy to theatre, through intimacy directing, coordinating and education, playwriting and directing. With 15+ years of experience, and a specific interest in amateur, semi-professional and regional theatre.

I went to Holy Trinity School as a teenager, and then moved to Ifield in my early 20s. Some of my family are still Crawley based, as are many of my friends. When I say I'm "going to town", I always mean Crawley.

Enkay Rockson

Enkay Rockson is a singer, songwriter & creative who is currently based in Horley. She would describe her music as alternative R&B, however, she also categorises her music as ‘versatile’ as she draws inspiration from a wide range of sounds. She does live performances in and around London and writes and records most of her songs from her home in Surrey.

Enkay Rockson has always had a connection to Surrey as she and her family have lived in and worked in Surrey since she was in secondary school.

Enkay Rockson grew more of a connection to Crawley when she and her family moved within Surrey from Ashtead to Horley. She worked in Crawley briefly and really enjoyed it, particularly seeing the diverse communities and cultures within Crawley.

Enkay Rockson is looking forward to seeing creativity being prioritised within West Sussex and Surrey and is excited to share her knowledge as the roles within creativity grow and evolve within the modern world.

Ensemble Reza

Ensemble Reza is a professional string sextet, plus occasionally a few extra instruments (performed by members of the group) including accordion, bouzouki, guitar, ukulele, banjo, double bass & piano. We enjoy introducing new sound worlds to our audiences, through a varied programme of music.

Ensemble Reza are Associate Artists at the Hawth Theatre and have a regular concert series at the Studio. We run free monthly lunchtime concerts in Broadfield, as well as community projects & a large programme of workshops in schools. From January-July 2023 we have reached over 25 schools and 3500 students in Crawley.

Ethan Taylor & Kit Loyd

We are Half-Time Orange, a brand-new theatre company dedicated to producing innovative and exciting work bringing local communities and their histories to the stage.

As Associate Artists of the Hawth Theatre we continue to work with Crawley Borough Council and local cultural organisations to lift Crawley's heritage from page to stage with site-specific performances that engage communities with local history and the creative arts.

Gemma Surridge

Gemma is the founder and lead agent at GLS Talent Management.
She represents professional actors, dancers and singers from age 4 upwards.
Within this role Gemma also mentors her clients in all areas of the performing arts and entertainment industry.

Gemma was born and raised in Crawley. Gemma grew up in Southgate and attended Thomas Bennett Community College.
After a career in the Performing Arts and Fitness Industry, Gemma founded GLS Talent Management in January 2022.
She is still based in Crawley with her husband and 2 children.

Go For it Tribe

Go For It Tribe are an independent Hip-Hop collective, founded by Kayncee in 2014, working to inspire the world to Go For It.

In 2024 they released their debut album, 'Go For It First Issue: Ikigai' on streaming platforms + limited edition vinyl, appearing in the BBC Introducing Live Lounge Oct 31

Our recording studio: @goforitstudio is located in the town center, which is where we create & record most of our music.
Several artists involved with the Tribe are from/ grew up in/ live in Crawley, including: @kaynceemusic @stitchmusicgfi @kyreecegfi @444.yesha @ottsamosasingh @keithr.b.k @mc_e_mix @karaa_leighh @amy_true1

Grace Saif

Grace Saif is an Actor, currently based in London. She works in TV, Theatre and Voice Acting. She has appeared at the Donmar Warehouse in David Harrower's Miss Jean Brodie and Jermyn Street Theatre's The Sonnet Project, which also featured Olivia Colman to Helena Bonham Carter (2020). In 2019 she appeared in two series of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.

Moving to Crawley aged 10 and whilst attending Hazelwick School in Crawley she was introduced to physical theatre through the school's drama department. From there she focused on her development in Acting and Theatre. With the support from her teachers and the West Sussex-based Alan Strong Award Grant, she was able to attend RADA where her formal actor training began.

Grace was also a member of ViYC Crawley, a youth based committee working with Crawley Council to create events and programmes for young people in the Arts. She hopes to see future generations of talent nurtured and flourishing in Crawley.

Grace Thompson

I am a Dancer, Performer, and creative disability consultant, focusing on inclusive practice and changing attitudes towards disabled people. Through Ballet, physical theatre, BSL and training, I challenge assumptions of disability, including the on-stage use of equipment that is seen as ‘medical’.

I grew up nearby (Cuckfield) and attended school in Crawley, meaning I’ve attended many activities in Crawley and spend a large amount of time in the town. I want to give back to the community and help make it more diverse and inclusive.

Hikapee

Circus Theatre Company. Taking stories into the air, into theatres and into the outdoors.

Led by Edd & Bryony Livesey-Casey, Hikapee create narrative driven work that tell stories of the world we live in for the small and tall.

Edd was born in Crawley Hospital, and grew up in Horsham.

With family still there, Edd & Bryony often visit the area, and are based just up the road in Epsom.

Howard Sivills

I am a theatre practitioner and teacher based in Crawley / West Sussex. I am artistic director of Platform Performance Group, we specialise in giving people of all ages the skills and techniques needed to find their own voice in devised theatre.

I moved to West Sussex 5 years ago when I met my partner and live in the area. As well as working in theatre, I teach part-time at Northgate Primary in Crawley and love it!

Isaac Finch

Isaac Finch is a professional Actor based in the South of England who has played on stage internationally and nationally in various theatrical productions.

In 2022 , Finch had the opportunity to work alongside other creative professionals at the Hawth in Crawley on their production of 'Wind in the Willows' and has since played in another of their in house productions in 2023, 'Kensuke's Kingdom', directed again by Chloe Bond.

It is also here that Isaac first began working for various companies as an Actor in hostile environment training roleplays, an intense but rewarding side to the profession.

Crawley is an ever growing hub of creativity which is truly a joy to be a part of.

Katie Mayfield

Katie Mayfield she/her (Choreographer/Movement Director) -BA(Hons) Musical Theatre, The Brighton Academy. A Musical Theatre and Jazz specialist, with experience working across all sectors of the entertainment industry, creating bespoke performance pieces for film, stage and corporate
events.

I have Lived and worked locally for the past Five years having trained locally at the Brighton Academy.

Kayncee

@kaynceemusic is an independent Hip-Hop musician born and raised in Crawley. Founder of collective Go For It Tribe and affiliated with the legendary UK Hip-Hop group 'The Peoples Army', Kayncee also spends his time delivering music workshops with AudioActive and running a recording studio in town.

I was born here in 1999 and lived here all my life, aside from a year that I was living in Guildford for university.

Kim Wright

I am a creative specialising in Directing, Movement, and Choreography with a focus on intimacy support. My work combines physical storytelling and a nuanced approach to relationships, creating visually compelling performances that highlight complexity within human connection.

Born and raised in Crawley before moving away for theatre training. Work keeps me moving across the country with connections to West Sussex and London

Laura Kojo

I am a stand up comedian who seeks to change the landscape of British comedy but making more room for black female comics. My work covers class, ethnicity and my extreme hatred of birds. Some of my proudest achievements include performing at a professional comedy night at the Moth Club with Emma Sidi and Jack Rooke for KNOCK2BAG, starring in a hilarious sketch with Luke Rollason and Mark Silcox, being on the same bill with Isy Sutie (and having her tell me she liked my set!) and getting through to the Semi - Finals for a competition called “Sketch Off”.

When you’re a comedian, you get to share your work all over, mine has featured at the Brighton Fringe, Camden Fringe, the Museum of Comedy, 2Northdown, Moth Club and so many more incredible venues.

I was born in Crawley and went to Northgate Primary School, then onto Hazelwick School (funnily enough at the same time as Romesh Ranganathan was teaching) before leaving Crawley to go to Chichester University. I know Crawley like the back of my hand and despite now living and working in London, it was always be the place that kickstarted my creative journey.

Louise Lord

I am an actor & combatant from Crawley. I have worked in TV/Film in projects such as The Red Letter Days Advert and short films such as Rule Three which I wrote & produced myself. I have worked in theatre at The Space in London & the Hawth - where I was able to use my combat skills in their shows.

I was born & raised in Crawley area, currently live in a village just outside it. Started acting through the Crawley group with Chichester Festival Youth Theatre! Since then went off to train professionally and now have performed professionally at The Hawth Theatre in their in-house outdoor productions of Robin Hood & Wind in the Willows.

Maija Handover

Co-Director, Sound UK

I love bringing artists and people together to have extraordinary musical encounters. This is delivered across the UK through partnerships, research and development, new commissions, live and digital events alongside participation.

Find out more at www.sounduk.net

I live in and have an office in Lindfield.

Natalie Lynch

I am one of the co founders of Worth Academy of Performing Arts which provides young people and adults the chance to perform within the community. I have been a drama teacher for 20 years and have directed many different shows. Theatre is my life!

I have worked at two Crawley schools: Thomas Bennett and Worth School. I also live in Crawley.

Natalya Micic

I'm a theatre director & photographer with over 4 years of experience; originally training as an actor at LSDA. In 2023, I completed my Masters in Theatre Directing at Mountview. I work in new writing, amplifying unheard voices, and prioritise accessibility in my collaborative & creative approach.

I was born and raised in Sutton, Surrey and now live in Redhill. After working and studying in London for many years, I want to get involved with the local community and artists in Surrey.

One World Orchestra

One World Orchestra is a new, ground-breaking music ensemble, drawing on the expertise and musical traditions of diverse musicians from across the planet, living and working in the UK. We run workshops, train artists in inclusive practice and perform concerts to bring people together through music.

We were founded in Crawley in 2023 and have an ongoing commitment to serve the local community with performance, workshops and training. Our home from home is Broadfield Community Centre where we plan to develop a regular programme of activities. We are super grateful to the community of Crawley for the welcome we have received and owe our existence to the opportunities available in this town.

Paul Cree

I’m a poet, rapper, storyteller and theatre maker. I have a book of poems and stories published called The Suburban (2018) I co-wrote two critically acclaimed Hip Hop theatre shows, No Milk For The Foxes (2015) and High Rise eState of Mind (2019), published by Methuen Drama (2022). I’ve written two solo theatre shows, A Tale From The Bedsit (2013) which is published in the British Library and The C/D Borderline (2016) which ran at the Edinburgh Fringe. I have performed regularly around the UK at a number of different events and festivals and had my work featured on BBC 1Xtra, BBC London and London Live.

I grew up in Horley but did all my schooling in Crawley, primary (St Francis), middle (Notre Dame) and secondary (St Wilfrid’s) as well as attending Crawley College and working and socialising regularly in the town, up until I moved away in my early 20’s.

Photo credit: Tom Medwell

Raminder Kaur

Raminder Kaur is a scriptwriter and artistic director of Sohaya Visions. Her work has been produced for the stage and filmed drama. She has also made films on adventure comics and nuclear India. She is a researcher based in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex.

Sohaya Visions was founded and based in Crawley. We have performed in Crawley Hawth and Crawley Museum as well as curated an exhibition there on partition memories. We have organised workshops with several communities based in Crawley for our projects including school and college students, British Asians, and those living with cancer, among other interest groups. We regularly partner with Crawley-based organisations such as Wordfest and Crawley Borough Council.

Rob Watt

Hello. I am a director, dramaturg and practitioner. I collaborate with writers, communities, poets, young people and designers to try to understand our fractured world. I am Artistic Director at Theatre Centre, a national new writing theatre-making work with and for young people.

I live in West Sussex and am excited to create more work locally.

Romesh Ranganathan

Multi award-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan is best known for fronting such series’ as The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation, Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their Own, Asian Provocateur, and as the new presenter of BBC One’s Weakest Link. Host of his own BBC Sounds and Radio 2 show For The Love Of Hip Hop, Romesh also co-hosts hit podcast Wolf & Owl with comedy mate Tom Davis.

Romesh’s last tour The Cynic’s Mixtape sold out across the UK including fourteen nights at London’s Eventim Apollo, culminating in a taping at his hometown venue The Hawth in Crawley, which was released as a special on Netflix in 2022 and is available to stream here now.

Romesh embarked on his career in America in 2018 with the launch of Just Another Immigrant on Showtime, and he has also appeared twice on James Corden's Late Late Show as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In 2023 he returned stateside with a sold-out show at the iconic New York Town Hall.

Romesh made his return to acting, writing and starring in two new sitcoms produced with his own production company, Ranga Bee. Avoidance for BBC One hit our screens in summer 2022 and Romantic Getaway for Sky Max launched in January 2023.

A Sunday Times Bestseller with his autobiography Straight Outta Crawley: The Memoirs Of A Distinctly Average Human Being, Romesh had his second book As Good as It Gets: Life Lessons from a Reluctant Adult published worldwide in October 2020.

Rosie May Jones

I am a multidisciplinary artist and poet, specialising in spoken word and place-responsive performance. My work delves into the intricate relationship between place and identity, exploring how narratives of place shape our sense of self and community.

I am currently developing a co-creative theatre and poetry project which explores how our sense of belonging is shaped by the landscape we experience. This project will take place across Surrey and West Sussex, including Crawley and its wider locale. The themes will be explored through a wide range of different activities including workshops, focus groups, events and performance sharings.

Saaj Raja

Saaj Raja is a professional actor, writer and dancer with international experience. He is a Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist, has performed for Her Majesty The Queen and onstage in the West End.

He grew up and lives in Crawley and went to Hazelwick School.

Sam Evans

He has worked with Creative Crawley from the start and continues to enable the company to make extraordinary arts events happen in the town.

Simon J Keenan

Writer, poet, spoken word artist, mindfulness teacher and cat butler.

Born in Eastbourne, raised in and lived all over West Sussex/Surrey.

Slow Time Mondays

Slow Time Mondays are a 4 piece indie-rock band.

They now headline their own shows across the South and are being booked for major festivals, including last year’s Isle of Wight Festival. Their debut album is set for release this summer.

They were born, raised, and began their music journey by playing venues and pubs around Crawley.

Sophia Newton

Dance and movement artist working across folk, contemporary and community practice. I create performances, workshops and community events using movement to support wellbeing, identity and connection across diverse communities.

I live and work in Crawley and am actively involved in the local creative community through dance, movement, performances, workshops, and community-focused projects.

Zack Qureshi aka RedEyeZack

I'm a singer-songwriter/guitarist. I have an acting background & run a digital marketing agency specialising in working with artists & venues. Currently I'm running Guitar Hub workshops on Saturday mornings at Crawley Museum.

I moved to Crawley 5 years ago after returning from ESOL teaching abroad in Barcelona & Istanbul. It was last Summer at The Brewery Shades Weekend Sessions that I first noticed Crawley indeed had a wealth of talented musicians. I won an award at The Swan, Open Mic for best collaborator as well as organising a collective to perform at HMV Crawley.