Cygnet Theatre

Located behind the Waterfront in Exeter, Cygnet Theatre has been responsible for the careers of many talented actors, actresses and directors over the past 40 years. The Company was founded in 1980 by Monica Shallis, who alongside co-founder Mary Evans, saw the potential for a drama school in Exeter. Set up as an educational charity to train actors in a professional ensemble company, Monica named the company Cygnet in the hope actors would become the swans of the Avon and go on to become actors at the RSC and national theatre.

Today, the company offers an intense three-year ensemble theatre training programme, which combines the best of Conservatoire with the practical experience of a working theatre ensemble. The charity takes on four to six talented students each year, running with a maximum of 16 actors across a three-year ensemble. The students are trained in voice, movement, singing, dance, touring, stage management, TV and radio.

Rosalind Williams, Principal of the Cygnet Theatre, commented: “In addition to assisting students with CVs, networking and contemporary skills such as using social media, each leaver’s group gets a local and London showcase. We take a show to The Actors’ Centre in Covent Garden where they perform before an audience of professionals.”

Assisting the charity over the years, has been Simpkins Edwards. “We get on so well” says Rosalind Williams. “The team are friendly, supportive and explain tax in plain English. From the very start Mary Jane Campbell has understood the theatre and offered us sound business advice.”

“She attends our trustee meetings and joins the theatre to talk over the accounts. We feel valued and well treated; and her team are there when we need them, which has been particularly helpful with the introduction of QuickBooks.”

Malcom Mardon, who will be retiring as the Theatre Manager and Assistant Administrator later this year adds “Mary Jane’s advice has been invaluable. With her help we are safe in the knowledge that our accounts are complete, correct and filed in accordance with the Charity Commissions legal regulations on accounting”