Michelle trained from an early age at the Ann Oliver Stage School and The International Arts Stage School in Leicestershire. Upon moving to North Lincolnshire she then continued her studies completing the BTEC National Diploma in Performance Arts. During her acting career, her stage roles have included Lady Macbeth, Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, Emily Tallentire in The Hired Man and Maggie ‘the cat’ in Cat on a Hot tin Roof to name but a few. Michelle took over the running of the Laughter Through Tears Theatre Company in Scunthorpe in 2003 directing most of their shows and also taking parts as LV – Little Voice, Lisa – Sextet and Shirley – Shirley Valentine. Michelle revived her one woman performance as Shirley in a tour to the Isle of Wight. Michelle has also toured to Scotland as Shirley Valentine, in addition to performing her role of Susan in a ‘Talking Heads’ tour. Michelle has also taken several roles for LBV Television. Michelle is also part of Old Forge's writing team.
Stuart has gained many years experience in the theatre since starting his theatre life in 1984, in West Side Story. Since then, notable roles onstage have included Lancelot in 'Camelot', Billy Bibbitt in 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest', Jackson in 'The Hired Man' and Emcee in 'Cabaret'.
Stuart also has extensive technical experience as Stage Manager, Lighting Manager and Sound Designer. Stuart has designed the lighting and sound for many productions including The Hired Man, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Scrooge The Musical, Cabaret and all of Old Forge Productions performances. He is a great believer in the idea that theatre lighting and sound should be used to compliment and enhance the emotions of the play as well as creating special effects and this is very much a part of the Old Forge Productions experience.
Husband and Wife team, Mark and Gail met through a mutual friend at a night club in Leeds in the Spring of 1998 and have been together ever since. Despite being intensely "sciencey" in the 9-5 world, both share a love for the arts that began at Secondary School. Gail is not unused to the limelight having performed locally and nationally as both an accomplished pianist and saxophonist. Mark has appeared onstage taking the role of Achilles in "The Golden Masque of Agamemnon" and also as a musician taking percussion and vocal duties for North Lincolnshire’s best unsigned indie band of the mid 90's "Speedneedle". More recently both were involved in the setting up of a charitable community group to promote Arts and Culture in the North of Lincolnshire, Tinpot Arts. And now they come to you, unseen it is hoped in Marks case, proudly aiding and abetting Old Forge Productions.
Guy developed a passion for digital photography 11 years ago and found it was the perfect way to relax from his medical training. Despite working full time training doctors and nurses lifesaving resuscitation techniques, Guy has found time to build up an extensive portfolio of dazzling images.
He initially became interested in photography many years ago when he was a Communication Officer in the army and his passion has grown since then. Guy is also involved in local theatre and has been Stage Manager and Sound Engineer for many local groups.
His favourite subject to photograph is the theatre, actors and dancers both on and off stage.
George is a familiar face to many within the Lincolnshire theatre circuit. With a vast amount of experience both on and off stage, George was also the original director of our very successful production of 'Shirley Valentine'.
George’s experience in the arts goes as far back as the 1960’s. He has also been actively involved in promoting the arts for the younger generation. He has adjudicated several local drama festivals, occasional WEA tutor in Theatre Studies, he is Associate of the Drama Board, Chair of the Drama Panel with the former Lincolnshire Arts Association and received the North Lincolnshire Council Volunteer Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Arts in 2006.
George is also a talented writer. He has penned a total of eight pantomimes and two Dickensian adaptations, A Christmas Carol (1979) and Young Copperfield (2011).
George is also without doubt, Lincolnshire’s resident Shakespeare expert having directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Antony & Cleopatra, The Merchant Of Venice, The Merry Wives Of Windsor, Macbeth, Henry V and an in house presentation of scenes from Shakespeare entitled Weddings & Funerals.