Meet the Creative Team Behind Found
Bringing Our Powerful New Production to Life in Basildon & Southend
We’re so excited to introduce the brilliant creative team behind Found, our brand-new production with BLAST Youth Theatre. This group of passionate and skilled artists have been working alongside our young cast to bring this joyful, original story to the stage — a story that explores identity, belonging, and discovery.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at the team helping to shape the world of Found:
Kate Austen – Playwright
We’re thrilled to have Found written by the incredible Kate Austen, who has crafted a magical, original story that speaks directly to the lives and voices of young people.
Kate is a mother, writer, and theatre maker from Essex. A Mercury Playwright and Eastern Angles Associate Artist, her work is rooted in testimonial and verbatim theatre, exploring social issues across East Anglia. Kate’s approach involves deep research and close community engagement to create stories that are honest, human, and compelling — and Found is no exception.
Michelle Barrington – Director
Leading the creative vision of Found is the dynamic Michelle Barrington, who brings both bold ideas and deep compassion to the rehearsal room.
Michelle is a theatre maker, director and facilitator. She co-founded Blown Fuse Theatre, where she is Co-Artistic Director, developing ambitious, community-led projects that blend storytelling, theatre, and technology. She also co-runs Platform Theatre Arts, an inclusive youth theatre group, and is part of the team at Elevator Arts CIC, working as Youth Theatre Leader and Project & Operations Coordinator.
Hannah Brailsford – Puppetry Director
The unforgettable character of Archibald comes to life through puppetry — and that’s all thanks to the wonderful Hannah Brailsford.
Hannah is an actor, performance storyteller and experienced drama facilitator with over 30 years of experience in the arts. She co-runs Platform Theatre Arts and regularly shares stories in schools, at festivals and community events. Her guidance has helped our young performers bring depth, magic and meaning to the puppetry in Found.
Mikayla Teodoro – Designer
We’re proud to welcome international talent Mikayla Teodoro as our designer, bringing a fresh and imaginative eye to Found’s visual world.
Originally from the Philippines and now based in London, Mikayla trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Her acclaimed design work spans theatre, puppetry and film across Southeast Asia and the UK — including Come From Away, Spitting Image the Musical, and My Neighbour Totoro. She is also Artistic Director of Puppet Theater Manila, where she is pioneering the art of puppetry in the Philippines. Her design work on Found adds bold textures and visual storytelling that lift our production to new heights.
Chloe Hogwood – Stage Manager
Behind every smooth performance is a great stage manager — and Chloe Hogwood brings passion, professionalism and purpose to the Found team.
Chloe trained in stage management at Mountview and has worked at the National Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe, gaining invaluable experience in both world-class and grassroots theatre. Now based in Southend, Chloe is passionate about access and inclusion, and is dedicated to making the arts available to all. We’re lucky to have their expertise guiding the backstage process and supporting our young performers.
Al Hawkins – Assistant Director
Supporting our cast as Assistant Director is the multi-talented Al Hawkins, bringing creativity, care, and curiosity to the process.
Al is a theatre-maker, facilitator, and trainee farmer (!) based in South London. Their devised work often explores politics, intimacy, and sustainability, and they are passionate about community-based, DIY-style arts projects. Al brings energy and thoughtfulness to their role on Found — helping our young performers explore the themes of the play and discover their own voices on stage.
We can’t wait for audiences in Basildon and Southend to experience Found. This production has been built with care, creativity, and collaboration — and this amazing team has played a vital role in shaping every moment.
Book your tickets now via the links below:
Thursday, 24 July 7.30pm at Mirren Studio, Towngate Theatre, Basildon
Saturday, 26 July, 7.30pm at Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Southend-On-Sea
