As the founding member and chair since 1991, Pete has been the force behind the creation of the foundation you see today. He drove the move for independent donations, charitable status, companies house registration, foundation development, performance expansion (including the move to Fleet Panto), and now the concept and birth of Starburst Theatre Academy. Pete performed on stage for many years, undertaking various roles Including Bill Sykes in Oliver, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, and nearly every role possible in panto from Dame to Buttons, comedy duo to Abanazar. Pete has been the lead director at Starburst for many years with several award-winning shows under his belt such as The Wizard of Oz, Grease, and Hairspray as well as directing Legally Blonde, Fame, Boogie Nights, West Side Story, Oliver, Annie and far too many Pantos to list. He is passionate about performance, paying absolute attention to small details that enhance the actor’s delivery.

Pete is also the principal artistic producer, ensuring all artistic elements of a production are seamless and true to the show; he covers aspects of set and scenery, costumes, lighting and sound overview and strategic approach, working closely with the leads from each department to help full fill the director’s vision.

Pete’s professional career has been as a paramedic since 1994, working with the NHS and then as a Senior Lecturer in paramedicine at various universities. Then Pete worked at St Georges in London, as Associate Professor in Paramedicine, overseeing the strategic development of London and South East of England out of hospital care, he now works at Frimley Health as a Strategic placement lead.

Pete is a qualified teacher with a degree in education alongside a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice and is a Doctor of Business. These skills will help guide the leadership team in operating an academy of excellence aligned with Starburst’s values, goals and objectives.