As a director, I work across new writing, devising and musical theatre. I am particularly interested in socially-engaged work that entertains audiences while interrogating the world around us.

I have directed for the Royal Exchange, Leeds Playhouse, Told by an Idiot and Bolton Octagon. I have worked as Resident Director on productions for Leicester Curve, the National Theatre and Jonathan Church Productions.

In 2018, I was selected by the Young Vic for support as part of their Director’s Programme. In 2022, I chose to further my training and received a scholarship for the MA in Theatre Directing at Birkbeck College, University of London.

I also work as an educator and facilitator, including with Shakespeare Schools Festival.

Born in the North West, I studied foreign languages at University, and speak French and Spanish. I have worked professionally as a translator and am also visiting lecturer at ICES Université in France, leading modules in Playwriting and Shakespeare.

I occasionally write for The Stage newspaper.

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  • As a company, we cannot recommend Joe highly enough—he is an instinctive, imaginative, and generous director who thrives across multiple platforms.

    Paul Hunter
    Artistic Director, Told by an Idiot

  • Joe’s work for ArtsEd has been inventive, playful and detailed. He’s been great with the students – creatively challenging them to dig with more specificity and rigour, and getting strong work from them.

    Dan Okello-Bird
    Head of Acting, Arts Ed School of Musical Theatre

  • Joe did a wonderful job directing my play 'Babies'. He drew out strong performances from the cast and his production brought the text to life with clarity and imagination. I enjoyed working closely with him to support the production.

    Jonathan Harvey
    Writer (Beautiful Thing, Babies, Call The Midwife)

  • Joe was one of the best assistant directors I have ever worked with. It's clear that Joe has a natural instinct for working with actors and telling a good story.

    Kate Budgen
    Freelance Director

  • Every young person Joe works with is encouraged to be their most confident and authentic self. He has unlocked potential in so many students and empowered them to be curious and ambitious.

    Amy Lancelot
    Schools Programme Senior Manager, RSC

  • Joe's ability to create ambitious, exciting art with groups from a range of backgrounds with a range of needs is testament to what a strong facilitator he is. He manages behaviour well and his passion and enthusiasm is infectious. I would recommend Joe for any project working with 5-95 year olds!

    Carys Williams,
    Head of Engagement, Royal Exchange