Speech & Drama Adjudicators 2026

Susan studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Now based in Pendle, Lancashire, she teaches singing and LAMDA at her home practice, Westholme School, and Giggleswick School, with over 20 years’ experience in various schools and colleges. 

She enjoys preparing students for drama school auditions, most of whom succeed in getting accepted. Susan has a lifelong connection with festivals, both as a participant and teacher. She is particularly excited about coming to Lytham to watch and enjoy the fantastic youngsters perform..  

For 10 years Susan ran The Fylde Stage School teaching levels of RAD and ISTD dance and LAMDA Speech and Drama before graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. After seasons in Repertory Theatre, touring and T.V she decided that it was time to realise other dreams. She now directs Upstage Drama, teaching Speech and Drama, GCSE Drama, Upstage Young Peoples Theatre and Bare Boards Theatre Company. Susan adjudicates at festivals all over the UK as well as Cork and Hong Kong. She is an adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals and has served as a deputy on the Adjudicators Council. Susan sees her role as an adjudicator as a combination of bringing new ideas and approaches to text and performance as well as fresh encouragement to every participant. She feels that everyone should leave a festival with a sense of achievement.