The Mishmak Team
Michelle Edwards
I studied BA(Hons)in Performance (Acting option) at Mountview Theatre School. My professional credits include Taggart, Waking The Dead and BAFTA award winning film Refugee as well as numerous theatre tours. I have a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and have won championships at National Level. I have a Gold Award (Advanced with Recommendation) from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat and am a skilled stage/screen fighter in 8 weapons systems including rapier, broadsword and knife.
I have three teaching diplomas in tap, ballet and modern. More recently I have written and produced interactive dramas for universities using actors to provide training on a range of topics including diversity and inclusion, gender equality and sexual consent. In 2010 I co-founded Mishmak Youth Theatre which has branches in Carshalton and Datchet.
Neil McDermott
I am the co-founder of Mishmak Youth Theatre. I also studied Performance at Mountview which is where I met Michelle. My West End theatre credits include Shrek (Drury Lane) playing Lord Farquaad); Wind in the Willows (London Palladium) playing Chief Weasel; La Cage Aux Folles (Menier Chocolate Factory) playing Jean Michel and many more.
My TV credits include Eastenders (series regular), The Royal (series regular), Dr Who and many more.
I wrote and performed in the show ‘The Elf Who Was Scared Of Christmas’ at The Charing Cross Theatre. The idea for the show was based on conversations I had with children who attended Mishmak Youth Theatre.
Brooke Jones
Brooke is an actor, writer and director who is passionate about nurturing the talent of the future.
Brooke is the Co-founder of Hooked Theatre who tour children’s theatre nationally & they also host a number of theatre and comedy evenings.
Brooke has just finished filming her first TV pilot - and is keen to teach the students both the subtleties of screen acting & the fun and playful nature of the stage. She can’t wait to see all their talents grow!
Our past teachers….
We are so lucky to have had fantastic teachers at Mishmak throughout the years, West End Stars, performers from musicals who have toured the world, professional commercial dancers, fantastic singers, tv and film actors.
Many come back to us between shows and contracts. Our teaching staff can be fairly fluid with some staying a term and some with us for a number of years. This gives the young people attending Mishmak access and inspiration from many styles and methods (and they love going to watch our teachers in shows).
Alannah Pilsborough
Alannah graduated from Momentum Performing Arts Academy with a three-year Performing Arts Diploma and DDEs in Classical Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance. Whilst in training, Alannah was awarded the First Year Performance Award and the Teacher Training Award.
Since graduating Alannah has experience performing in TV, Immersive Theatre, and has toured and worked internationally. Currently, Alannah performs for the Divine Dance Company.
Alongside performance, teaching is very close to Alannah’s heart. With 6 years worth of experience, Alannah’s teaching career has seen her teach a wide variety of genres to many different ages both in the UK and abroad. Alannah’s long term mission is to make Dance and Theatre Arts accessible to everyone.