About me
I am a tenacious, creative and determined young producer and
I have been producing theatre ever since leaving drama school where I studied acting.
Whilst training I was head of fundraising for our Edinburgh Festival Productions and managed to raise thousands of pounds to get two productions up to Edinburgh for a week. I was an active marketer of all in house productions and in my third year, for my dissertation, set up my own company and wrote, composed, directed and produced an early version of what would later be the musical R.I.P. It was always my intention when graduating not to wait for the acting work to come to me but instead to form my own company of creative people and make the work for ourselves, and that company is Grindstone (previously ‘A passion for D.I.Y’ 2010-2012). Through this company I have discovered my love for producing and my work as a producer has really taken an exciting turn in the last two years.
Grindstone was founded in January 2013, for which I act as Producer, Writer, Creative Director and Composer. In our first year we produced my musical ‘RIP’, which premiered at the Covent Garden Actor’s Church. The musical, written, composed, directed and cast by myself was then picked up and transferred to The Kings Head Theatre for a run throughout July 2013. It sold out, garnered fantastic reviews and further offers of a transfer to The Soho Theatre. Most recently I produced Grindstone’s production of WW1 drama ‘The Glasshouse’ at The Tristan Bates Theatre, a new play by Max Saunders Singer. It was a huge success and I cant say I’ve ever been prouder of our work. Both The Tristan Bates and The Park Theatre have expressed their interest in programming us in the future.
In 2014 I became a freelance Producer at Scripted Well, a theatre company which specialises in providing pieces of drama, film, theatre and role play for the medical and pharmaceutical industry. I produce this single handedly. Our debut project was for a leading global pharmaceutical company and took place in Amsterdam at an international press conference in October 2014.
I am a professional actress and singer and believe this has equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed to make me an informed and creative producer who understands theatre on all levels. I have a great knowledge of the industry and have strong and growing relationships with many theatres, agents, casting directors, press and actors.
Projects
- RIP at The Actor ChurchShowcase and mentoring programme for up and coming producers and composers. Sonnie Beckett's musical RIP chosen by Iris theatre to be part of their 'Workin' Process' scheme. RIP was produced and performed at The Actor's Church by Grindstone in association with Iris Theatre. It was then transferred to The King's Head Theatre as a result of it's success.
- Othello SyndromeChameleon's Dish, in association with Grindstone present: OTHELLO SYNDROME The Drayton Theatre 3rd-28th September The tale of a man who kills what he thinks he loves; the fate of a woman who loves stories so much she becomes one. The nature of a world where irrational jealousy is considered a valid excuse for murder. This genre-busting production recounts the tragedy of Shakespeare's Othello in a bold and highly physical interpretation which puts the emphasis on the gender politics of the play. Othello Syndrome exposes the damage caused by the way in which the traditional version of the story has entered our culture: the terrible myth of honour, the vile cult of virginity. Adapted and Directed by Hannah Kaye Designed by J William Davis £1 of every ticket sold will be donated to Eaves Charity for Women.
- RIPGrindstone in association with the King’s Head Theatre present the world premier of RIP by Sonnie Beckett. Music by Sonnie beckett and Joe Morrow. Produced by Grindstone. Directed by Hannah Kaye. “This is the story of five women, whose names, unlike Jack’s, I am sure you have all forgotten...” Following a hugely successful showcase at the world famous St Paul’s Actors Church, Covent Garden in April, RIP has been snapped up by the prestegious King’s Head Theatre for a run throughout July 2013. With only eight performances be sure not to miss out. Preview 30th June, 7:15 p.m. Press night 1st July, 7:15 p.m. Evenings 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, and 21st July, 7:15 p.m. Matinee 21st July, 3:00 p.m. Who was Jack the Ripper? It’s a question that has gone unanswered for 125 years and, in all probability, will remain unanswered. In recent years there have been many attempts to stage plays and musicals about Jack the Ripper, some more successful than others, but none have ever done it quite like this. Whitechapel, 1888. The most infamous serial killer of all time has brutally murdered five women. Their mutilated bodies lie in a cold morgue ready for dissection and their souls remain in perpetual limbo as they witness their own post-mortems and desperately wait for justice to prevail. Police surgeons, Dr Phillips and Dr Bond, guide us through this world of secrets, where no stone is left unturned! Told through song and taken from the writings of the people who knew these women best, RIP will have you clinging to your seats and singing all the way home. This raw piece of new British theatre features a strong ensemble cast, mostly consisting of up and coming young actresses, is written by a woman, directed by a woman and finally gives a voice to the women in the Ripper story that so often get over looked. If you are missing BBC's 'Ripper Street' or you like a gritty musical this is the show for you. Be sure not to miss out. Listing Information: The Kings Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 1QN Box Office: 02074780160 or online at www.kingsheadtheatre.com Tickets: £10 - £25 For more information, interviews and images, please contact: Sonnie Beckett on rip_grindstone@yahoo.com or 07794291446
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Work history
Producer
Creative director and executive producer
Freelance Producer
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Freelance Producer for medical theatre company. Creating live art for pharmaceutical promotion and medical social engagement outcomes.
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Skills
- Marketing PR
- Acting
- Producing
- Production Management
- Creative Direction
- Composition
- Fundraising
- Writing Directing
Education
Acting
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Awards
Best Actor Nomination
The Glasshouse nominated for Best Actor by Off West End Awards.
Actor: Simon Naylor
My role: Producer
Best Set Nomination
The Glasshouse nominated for Best Set by Off West End Awards.
Designer: Jan Saunders Singer
My role: Producer
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