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At the Kitchen Table - Helen Parry - Theatre Director and Acting Tutor

November 1, 2026 · 41 min

Show notes

Welcome to my chat with Welsh theatre director and acting tutor Helen Parry. After many years living in Manchester, Helen is considered by many to be the grand dame of the Manchester Fringe theatre scene. Legendary as a director as well as a dedicated audience member. In this conversation, where we sit down to eat Helen's signature leek and potato soup, we talk about Helen's post-war childhood in Wales, her first food memory from when she started teething, how Helen's teachings at drama school have shaped my entire creative life, the juggle of working in theatre as a single mother and why she chooses the seat near the fridge in her kitchen. It was a joy to talk to Helen, nearly 20 years after I first met her as my acting tutor at drama school in Manchester.


I present to you my dear friend Helen Parry.


This episode contains mild expletives.


My debut book Your Space, Your Story: a Creative Guide to Personal Interiors is published by Batsford Books in February 2027 and now available for pre-order. You can order at your local bookshop or at the usual online retailers!

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