Our Staff

James is the founder and director of the Gillespie Theatre Group. He runs all the classes due to his wide experience in the field as well as having a taught in primary schools for a number of years. 

As well as treading the boards in musicals and plays (some credits include Caliban in 'The Tempest'; Jimmy in 'Priscilla: Queen of the desert' and Jim Farrell in 'Titanic: The Musical')  James' experience of teaching theatre spans across the Atlantic as he has worked with Broadway Stars in directing musicals and plays as well as taught the children of theatrical legends - most notably Lin-Manuel Miranda's son. 

James' passion is theatre and he loves that this can be shown by producing shows and engaging young people in various methods of theatre from projection to stage combat. 

Jackie Gillespie has been working with the Gillespie Theatre Group from the beginning providing support and taking payments for each of the weekly classes. 

Jackie is instrumental to the sessions due to her calm, warm nature which is demonstrated during each session. All children instantly feel safe in her presence and it is this calming presence which aids classes to run smoothly.

Jackie's background is education where she spend many years working as a teaching assistant to special needs children giving them support in the classroom and assisting in their learning. This was in ages ranges from 4-7. In addition to this, Jackie led the 'Butterfly group' which was to aid children who were struggling from grief to understand and recognise their emotions as well as how to express them in a safe manner.