Est. 1996
Excellent theatre for everyone, everywhere… including the classics!
The Company
We are an audacious, irreverent company who dares to perform the sixteenth century, Italian, classic commedia dell’ arte (Think Hamlet performed by Basil Fawlty).
We are an established provider to schools. We deliver high quality curriculum-linked courses; have 2 qualified teachers, two facilitators and we are 5 performers.
Our mission is to inspire young people from under-represented communities, support their teachers and create demand for live theatre in areas of low cultural engagement.
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Bernadette Wakeling
Bernadette studied Commedia dell’ Arte at Exeter University and then trained with Antonio Fava at the SCUOLA INTERNATIONALE DI COMMEDIA DELL’ ARTE. She later gained a PGCE at Cambridge University. Bernadette formed The Complete Commedia Co in 2016, formalising decades of touring experience and working in schools and the local community. Bernadette has introduced Commedia dell’arte performance to Thurrock, Essex and the Southeast; she devises, directs, produces and project manages public performances in theatres, streets and schools adding animation and colour to civic and community occasions.
Alex Mangan
Alex graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is currently training to become a qualified teacher. Alex is the dramaturg of the company and directs the process of transferring show ideas from paper into reality and streamlines all the components on stage to create fluid performances.
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Jordan Choi
Jordan graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is currently studying at the University of Kent for a Masters in Contemporary Performance Practices. Jordan takes charge of the physical choreography within scenes i.e. stage combat and general physicality for scripted work.
Tom Mangan
Tom graduated from Winchester University with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Performance and is studied at the University of Kent for a Masters in Contemporary Performance Practices. Tom is a creative facilitator, founder of a multi award-winning theatre company and actor-musician working in Thurrock, Basildon and Havering. Championing youth voice and providing under-represented communities with access to cultural engagement and activity.
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Mia Louise Dean
Mia Louise Dean is a student from Palmers BTECH Performing Arts, where she perfected the role of Pedrolino, the role she toured to Thurrock Primary Schools and Horndon on the Hill Feast & Fayre. Her training continued at Arts Educational College where she gained the experience of producing and directing. In her free time she is an active performer in Thurrock TOPS.
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Macey Rhianne Dunn
Macey Rhianne Dunn is an actor and creative facilitator in Thurrock leading impactful youth engagement in Basildon, advancing SEND inclusion and driving access to theatre for under-represented communities across Essex. This is Macey’s debut with The Complete Commedia Company.
Previously Associated Actors
Sarah Jennings
Sarah graduated from the University of Kingston with a degree in Dance and continued her training by going to America to teach performing arts to young people. Sarah choreographed all dance sequences in the company’s shows and also used her training in singing to assist the company with vocal work.
Ruby Henderson
Ruby is studied drama at the University of Lincoln. Whilst studying, she was a member of the "Code name: Cheese" Theatre company. She attended Palmers College and Grays School Media Arts College). Ruby studied restoration and melodrama, teaching drama and stage combat. She now focuses on performing and theatre for young audiences.
Rachael Dowsett
Graduated in English Literature and Drama.
She is part of Insanity Theatre Company, with her most recent involvement being in the production "Lift" at the Dixon Studio. She is a former pupil at St Clere's School and Orsett C of E Primary.