Speech & Drama Adjudicators 2025

Vanessa has been a performer in speech, drama, music and dance from a very early age.   She first gained a passion for the spoken word through taking LAMDA examinations, later gaining her LAMDA teaching diploma.  As a teacher, she has owned her own theatre school with students ranging from nursery to adults where youth theatre is an integral part of her school programme.  She also tutors professional interview technique and conducts master classes and workshops as well as individual teaching for those with speech difficulties and special needs.  As a director, producer and actress, Vanessa ‘trod the boards’ performing as the Fairy in Pantomime for eight seasons.  She has worked on TV productions including – HOLLYOAKS, COURTROOM DRAMA, EMMERDALE, RIVER STEEL BLUES, HEARTBEAT, THE ROYAL, and DEAD MAN WEDS.  More recently Vanessa has filmed a Christmas advert for Cuffe and Taylors Lytham Festival. Vanessa currently directs for ‘Walk On’ Touring Theatre Company and owns her own production company, ‘High Flying Theatre Productions.’

Vanessa is also a LAMDA examiner, and is extremely proud to be working with this prestigious organisation.

Vanessa promotes an anti- bullying campaign, she provides assemblies and workshops to schools on anti-bullying.  She also runs courses on internet safe guarding.  Since 2009 she has spoken regularly at the palace of Westminster to politicians.

Vanessa has presented on Teachers TV and given seminars at the Education shows.

Vanessa’s passion is adjudicating at Stage festivals, she enjoys encouraging the performers of the future.  

Jayne is a multi-faceted practitioner, passionate about dramatic art. 
She has trained as an adult actor with Jim Cartwright and Karen Henthorn and holds both Equity and Spotlight membership.  
Jayne, like all our adjudicators, is a practising teacher.  She works in both the public and private sector teaching speech and drama to a wide variety of ages and levels. Alongside this she co-manages a boutique talent agency for children and adults.  
As well as holding an examinership with the prestigious LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), Jayne also adjudicates at Speech and Drama Festivals across the UK. 
Ever busy, Jayne recently completed a Masters in Applied and Community Arts.  She is looking forward to adjudicating at our festival and watching all the talented performers shine. 

Sharon made her first festival appearance at the age of eight and loved it - despite not being placed in any class until she was in her teens! She is committed to the festival moment and believes that every child should be given opportunities to share their work, learn from their peers and to speak and perform in public - to unfamiliar but supportive audiences - and that a festival should be a positive, encouraging and enjoyable experience.
As an experienced primary school teacher and former deputy head, Sharon planned the speaking, listening and drama activities within several schools and taught LAMDA pupils. Since retiring from a class teaching role she has worked in schools and privately with older pupils; many of these have gone on to train at major UK drama schools and enjoyed success in their stage careers.
Sharon is looking forward to visiting Lytham again and meeting some of the Festival's young performers.

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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.

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