Darren Palmer
(click here to view CV)

Before becoming an actor I made my living playing football. I played in Canada and Sweden as a professional before coming home to train as an actor. After completing a full time Performing Arts course I joined the Northern Stage Ensemble and gained 3 years of invaluable experience in many aspects of the theatre including acting, directing and educational work.

Lobster Productions was formed so that I could write and direct my own pieces of work as well as those of exciting writers. Alongside this I teach drama at the Sage Academy of the Performing Arts. I also enjoy working with the Customs House Youth Theatre Group and also write educational packages aimed at 14 - 19 years old.

Young people have a voice and an opinion. Too many people look upon young adults as children and treat them accordingly. This attitude really annoys me. We can learn from anyone whether they are 6 or 66. We must treat people with respect whatever their age. This I feel is very important when you are trying to educate people. The next important thing is fun. Learning must be fun. If we only try to instruct and demand we will achieve little. When facilitating in a group, whatever the subject, we must give a feeling of self worth, a feeling that there is a reason for learning in the first place. Many young people find it hard to get out of bed, especially the young offenders I have worked with. They think "what's the point of this" we must let them feel that it is worth listening to, worth joining in, and to give the workshop a chance. I cannot change anyone's life during a workshop but I can show them that what THEY do is important.

The company is about having fun in a professional way. It is about employing actors, enthralling audiences with a kind of theatre that moves you. It is about reaching out to young people and giving them an education that makes them smile. We achieve this with energy and an attitude that people can relate to and enjoy.