Talent Development

I am passionate about talent development, platforming new voices, visions and ideas. I create groundbreaking artist development programmes and innovative accredited courses in industry-based settings which break down barriers to training and pathways to employment.

Claudia Jessie

(Bridgerton, Line of Duty, Vanity Fair, Doctor Who)

Jessie was working in a pub in her late teens when she started acting classes. It was on a whim, initially. Soon she was noticed by local playwright, Hannah Phillips. “She saw in these classes that I could do it,” Jessie recalls, “but I couldn’t really afford to keep going. She believed in me, and asked me to be a part of some theatre companies she had in Birmingham. Without her, I wouldn’t be an actor. I’m eternally grateful.”

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/apr/14/i-did-all-the-things-an-actor-shouldnt-bridgertons-claudie-jessie-on-class-big-breaks-and-houseboats

Tom Craig

Tom Craig

Community & Learning Producer, Derby Theatre (Digital Project of The Year 2023, The Stage Awards)

Hannah consistently shows up as a true collaborator, offering her experience and artistic talent to empower those around her. Her compassion and belief in others strengthen creative confidence and inspire people to lead with empathy and understanding. She bravely encourages artists and audiences alike to explore challenging and meaningful themes.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Hannah as a tutor, manager, and mentor, and each role has deepened my appreciation for her generosity and advocacy. Her support has profoundly shaped how I approach both my creative and applied practice. When in doubt, I still find myself asking, “What would Hannah do?”

Louis Wharton

Louis Wharton (Writer and Theatre Maker, Birmingham Shout, Birmingham Hippodrome, Dante or Die)

For the past eighteen months, Hannah has been my greatest cheerleader.

When we first met for coffee, I was a rabbit in headlights – a new graduate and burgeoning artist, struggling for direction in an opaque industry. My creative practice has since transformed under Hannah’s mentorship. From script feedback and dramaturgical support to help obtaining funding and facilitating community sharings, I wouldn’t be where I am now without her experience, knowledge, and passion.

So often, people seem to be waiting to speak instead of listening. But from that very first chat, Hannah listened deeply. She understood what I needed and has carefully tailored her support ever since; building connections, guiding me through creative challenges, and helping me forge a new, exciting path in my queer-focused practice.

Louis Wharton

Kyra Holden

Kyra Holden

(Singer Songwriter)

Hannah has been beyond supportive of my art form as an emerging queer artist over the years. She is very appreciative of my craft as an artist and creatively applies this to pieces of socially engaged, moving and powerful pieces of theatre. Aside from this, Hannah has also found ways to showcase my talents elsewhere as part of events such as Malvern Pride to drive meaning and sentiment behind being a queer emerging artist.