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Stefan Escreet

The director, Stefan Escreet

Stefan is Associate Director at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick where he has directed many plays and developed several new writing projects.Ìý

Stefan has been in fifty theatre productions as a professional actor with seasons and individual productions at many of the country's top regional theatres as well as the Royal National Theatre and the Young Vic. He also toured Africa with theÌý Bubble Theatre Company.

Simeon Truby

Simeon Truby

Sam in "The Piano Teacher", Sam (a different Sam!) in "Friends of Dorothy" and Swainson (the neighbour) in "Slow and Steady Wins the Race".

Simeon trained at the Welsh College ofÌý Music and Drama. He's worked in theatres across the country including the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. His TV credits include "A Touch of Frost", "Coronation Street" and "The Royal".

Geoffrey Banks

Geoffrey Banks

Rosthwaite inÌý "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" and John (the father) in "Spreading It". Geoffrey was first heard on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio in 1949 and has been a regular broadcaster in plays, features and poetry programmes ever since.

Recent TV appearances include "Heartbeat" and "The Royal".Ìý His latest stage appearance was at the Theatre by the Lake. He has lived in Kendal for 25 years.

Sue McCormick

Sue McCormick

Jean in "Spreading It" and Michelle (Harry's mother) in "Love and Gingerbread". Sue has worked in theatres all over the country including The Royal Exchange in Manchester, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Plymouth Theatre Royal, Stephen Joseph in Scarborough and Theatre by the Lake.

She has also toured with Northern Broadsides and Hull Truck. Her TV credits include "Casualty", "Holby City" and "Emmerdale". She also writes and directs.

Stephen Tomlin

Stephen Tomlin

Marwood in Ìý"Slow and Steady Wins the Race" and Mr Bettinson (the teacher)Ìý in "Spreading It". Stephen is a Lancaster-based actor with over 35 years experience in all aspects of the business.

A former member of Pocket Theatre Cumbria in the early 1980's, he also directs including a recent production of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' for the Brewery Theatre Company in Kendal. Stephen is also remembered locally as the 1991 ´óÏó´«Ã½ TV 'Mastermind' champion.

Dinah Handley

Dinah Handley

Alice in "The Piano Teacher" and the ghost of Dorothy Wordsworth in "Friends of Dorothy". Dinah spent her early life in Cumbria and is still based in the North. She worked for three years as a secretary with the NFU before going to drama school.

She's worked extensively in the top regional theatres (including Theatre by the Lake) and TV as well as radio and film. Her TV credits include Emmerdale, Dalziel and Pascoe, and All Creatures Great and Small.

Claire Webzell

Claire Webzell

Sarah inÌý"Friends of Dorothy" and another Sarah in "Love and Gingerbread". Claire graduated from Manchester Poly School of Theatre in 1985.Ìý Her performing work has included numerous radio, theatre and television appearances.Ìý

Since moving to Cumbria in 2001 Claire’s work has focussed on experiential training for business people.ÌýShe says “It has been a real treat to work on ‘The Crack’.Ìý Literally recorded on my door step, it has been great to be involved in such an innovative project."

Ryan Shaw

Ryan Shaw

Darren in "Spreading It". Ryan has been involved in local youth and adult theatre since he was 15. He's worked at the Theatre by the Lake and was also part of a small project with the Royal Shakespeare Company calledÌý "A Storm at Sea", a version of "'The Tempest".

He also enjoys writing and performing music and plays in a band. He is currently travelling around the world with his brother and his guitar!