Vanessa Boyawa

Performer, Founding Member, Business Management, Workshop Facilitator

I joined Breathing Fire in 2006, when the company was first established.

As a trained dance movement therapist, I bring a unique approach to my roles within Breathing Fire, incorporating aspects of therapy and creative expression.

I've attended various training courses in playback and forum theatre, as well as other areas of performance, with a particular focus on metaphor, authentic movement and getting to the heart of a story. I've also completed conductor training and recently taken on this role within the company (facilitating performances) .

I have a keen interest in creating tailor made workshops and delivering/facilitating them, guiding participants through creative processes, exploring themes and ideas, aiding learning and self discovery.

Being part of Breathing Fire allows me to tap into my inner child, embracing spontaneity and creativity. I'm passionate about empowering others to find their voice, supporting them to share their stories and taking on new challenges and opportunities.

Valerie Mower

Performer, Founding Member, Business Management, Workshop Facilitator

I’m a founding member of Breathing Fire and have been with the company since 2006. I am an actor and specialise in characterisation.

I’ve been trained in Playback Theatre forms through the International Playback Theatre Network and gained additional artistic experience through developmental opportunities including the international playback gathering in Montreal, Canada (2015). I have also enjoyed performing & playing with other Playback companies – Bristol, Brighton (Random Acts), Turo (Mirror Mirror), Wales (Golden Thread) and Hissing Black Cat from Washington USA.

I have studied actor training (University of Bristol) and completed and delivered numerous Forum theatre workshops.

I believe that Playback Theatre is a tool that gives communities and individuals the power to enhance wellbeing. Hearing and sharing of personal stories is an honour.

Ruth Pitter MBE

Performer, Founding Member, Business Management, Workshop Facilitator

I am a founding member of Breathing Fire and I’ve been with the company since 2006.

I am an actor, conductor (facilitator during Playback performances), singer and drama workshop facilitator.

My training includes theatre studies and performance studies (University of Bristol); Playback Theatre forms, Playback conductor training, and forum theatre. I have performed in, and directed productions for, a number of theatre companies.

My zest for being part of this amazing work is the spark that audience stories create, how they can unite us and excite us through the sense of the unknown. In playback theatre – anything can happen!

Jenny Davis

Performer, Founding Member

Jenny Davis is a founding member who has been with the company from 2006 to 2016 and from 2019 to present.

Jenny is a writer and performer who has produced work for stage and screen.

Jenny trained in Playback with Veronica Needa and Rose Thorn.

Acting credits have included‘Doubt’ (Alma Theatre) to a one woman show (Arnolfini , Bristol)

Jenny has also written  and performed commissioned work for a diverse range of organisations including Bristol University; St George’s, MIND.

She is passionate about stories and their inherent power to heal when told.

Lorna Henry

Performer, Founding Member

Lorna is a founding member of Breathing Fire who has been with the company from 2005-2007 and again since 2022.

She trained as a performer  with Veronica Needa (True Heart, London Playback Theatre); Rose Thorn (The Golden Tread, Home Grown); and at the UK Playback Theatre School and London Playback Theatre.

Lorna has also been a performer and co-writer in Black Women Let Loose Theatre Company (Shades of Our Lives 2019-2020).

She is passionate about Playback Theatre's ability to forge connections, feelings of belonging, and warmth towards others.