Directing
Productions I have directed and assistant directed.
Third Class by Brad Slaight
Roxborough Hall, School Production
I directed my first play with a cast of 30. The play was essentially a series of sketches connected by the theme of a video year book. I also did the sound and lighting design.
The cast consisted of young people with varied experience with drama in scenes that were comedic and addressing timelessly relevent topics such as bullying, crushes, cheating on tests, prom night, misbehaving in the library and graduating.
Dir. Jessie Potts
Nobody Here But Us Chickens by Peter Barnes
Online play, University of Liverpool
At university I directed a one act play written to celebrate people with disabilities as part of an online showcase.
Mr Allsop believes he is a chicken in mind, body and soul and is trapped in a psychiatric facility. He meets Mr Hern, who also believes he is a chicken. Hern invites Allsop to join him in a secret society of chickens and must resume his identity as a human to infiltrate mankind.
Dir. Jessie Potts
Edited & Sound Designed by Jessie Potts
A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller
Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool
I assistant directed and produced the play for the drama society. It was staged in-the-round at the Stanley Theatre using a minimalist set of a dining table.
I experimented with using blood bags and consumable food on stage which was worked well.
Due to unfortunate circumstances I was required to stand in as Catherine for the run. This task was made possible by my involvement in blocking throughout rehearsals and use of a script on stage.
Photographed by Juliet Pone
Dir. James Voisin
Composed by Blake Mckenzie
Ink by James Graham
Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool
I negotiated permission from James Graham's publishers to stage the first (and currently only) university production of 'Ink'. Ink is the story of Rupert Murdoch's aquisition of 'The Sun' newspaper, and its direction under Editor Larry Lamb and its various early scandals that set the tone for the infamous publication and its ramifications on journalism in Britain.
Directing the play was a major undertaking which was achieved in 6 weeks. It was hugely vaIuable and exciting to analyse text and tackle a layered story with a large cast. I also designed the sound and lighting and experimented with using live video feeds.
The show was well recieved and sold out twice. It was the most profitable show of the year for the drama society (£752.00).
Photographed by Herbie Barlow & Juliet Pone
Dir. Jessie Potts
Bloodsucker by Jessie Potts
Edinburgh Fringe
After winning the Drama society Edinburgh Fringe pitch I wrote and directed 'Bloodsucker'. A dark comedy-drama about a group of queer people being stalked by a vampire. We staged it with the PBH Fringe and in the Stanley Theatre in Liverpool.
I took the opportunity to hone my director skills to create an entertaining exciting story and work with a 10-strong cast. I enjoyed developing the comedic elements and creating an environment where the cast could interpret the characters independently. I worked alongside an art director, who coordinated a cohesive style for the costume, sound, lighting and set design and a producer who assisted in logistics for organising the Fringe.
As a writer it was an amazing learning opportunity for crafting scenes and I learnt important lessons in pacing and cohesion. It was also hugely rewarding to have fellow queer people from the audience tell me they related to the dialogue and humour. The show was also profitable, raising £667.00.
Photographed by Juliet Pone
Dir. Jessie Potts
Art Dir. Erica Korner
Produced by Joel Petterson
Reviews of Bloodsucker
Energetic cast, lots going on, some great performances - The Write Angle
★★★★ - A transfusion of dark comedy - The Derek Awards
An ode to the chaos of university life, with doses of reality masked through
the sharp wit infused into the script by writer Jessica Potts - Hannah Goldswain, The Glass FrogEntertainingly relatable - Hannah Goldswain, The Glass Frog
Bloodsucker Film
Student Film Production
After the Liverpool run concluded I was approached to adapt the script for a short film. I elected to give the team full artistic licence to adapt the story however they saw fit. I recieve updates about the project as it continues.
Dir. Ella Dearden
AD. Sarah Gibson
DOP. Robert McKenzie-Brown
Acting
Plays and short films I have acted in and co-written
Liverpool Revue
Co-writer and Actor
As part of a sketch comedy troupe I wrote and performed for the Revue 2020/21 and at the Fringe in 2022. I was technical director and also programmed and operated sound in venues across the country.
I also designed the poster and distributed flyers as part of an advertising campaign.
Bouncers by John Godber
Lead Actor
I performed in Bouncers as 'Lucky Eric' and other ensemble roles with the university drama society.
The play was performed in The Cellar as part of a double bill of John Godber plays to positive student reviews.
Dir. Joshua Murphey
Are we going to be okay? by Mack Young
Actor
I played a comedic role in a student short film. It is currently in post-production.
Dir. Ella Dearden
AD. Sarah Gibson
DOP. Robert McKenzie-Brown
Haunted Basement Tour
Actor and Writer
I wrote and performed as part of an on-site scare experience in the basement of the Student Union for charity.
Drunk Nativity
Performer and Co-Writer
I co-wrote sketches based on the nativity story and performed at the Liverpool Arts Bar as part of a charity fundraiser.
A Fistfull Of Lunch
Actor
I took part in a 48hr film competition with student film makers ftb films. The film won the audience choice category.
Dir. Robert McKenzie-Brown
Sick of Your Sound by Sad Night Dynamite
Background Artist
Dir. Will Hooper
