I am a queer, transgender director with a passion for new writing, ensemble work and dramaturgy. I have developed a deep understanding of how theatre is made, from many years working as a multi-disciplinary maker. My work has included small and large scale tours, fringe and main-stage venues across subsidised and commercial, professional and participatory projects, and a lot of ensemble creation.
My directing influences include Ned Bennett, Matthew Xia, Rebecca Frecknall, and Katie Mitchell. I’m proud to be an Associate Artist of the award-winning devising ensemble The PappyShow and an Emerging Associate of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.
My practice is anti-racist, celebrates differences between identities, and centres voices that have been historically marginalised.
Director
CROWDED TABLE, [in development] (2024/25)
HOW TO FLY THROUGH ASHEN SKIES [workshop] (2025)
THIS IS NOT A GUN PLAY, Theatre Royal Haymarket [workshop] (2024)
TRUTH & TAILS (Tour Asst. Director), Chichester Festival Theatre, dir. Bobby Brook (2023)
ST CHARLES AND THE DRAGON [scratch], Baron’s Court Theatre (2023)
BORROWED [workshop] (Co-Director with Toby Clarke), Park Theatre (2019)
LIKE MOTHER by Misha Butler [rehearsed reading], DMH Productions (2019)
THERE IS A WAR BUT IT’S NOT HERE YET (Co-Director with Eve Allin), Bedales School (2018)
Facilitator
ACTOR’S TOURING COMPANY, Script Reader (2023)
EPIC STAGES, Facilitator, National Youth Theatre (2018)
START UP SATURDAYS, Facilitator, National Youth Theatre (2018)
Training
Jamie Lloyd Company Academy: 9 weeks (Jamie Lloyd Company, by selection)
NYT Emerging Associate: year-long programme (National Youth Theatre, by selection)
Storytelling Theatre Short Course (Tall Stories, by selection)
Simon Godwin: 7-day workshop (TAG), 2-day workshop (National Theatre, by selection)
Matthew Xia: 7-day workshop (National Theatre, by selection)
Sally Cookson: 2-day workshop (National Theatre, by selection)
Awards
2024 Offie Nomination – Best Performance Ensemble: BOOTYCANDY, Gate Theatre (as Actor)
2023 Offie Nomination – Best Production: ORLANDO, Jermyn Street Theatre (as Composer & Sound Designer)
2020 Olivier Nomination – Outstanding Achievement In An Affiliate Theatre: WARHEADS, Park Theatre (as Composer & Sound Designer)
2018 VAULT Award Nomination – Outstanding New Work: BOYS, The PappyShow (as Composer & Sound Designer)
image credit: Peter Butler
Roly Botha 