A Short History of Shontal

In January 2006 I decided to start my project, ‘ Financial Literacy using Live Theatre ‘ my background was previously as a debt specialist in the free advice sector for 11 years. 

 

I was convinced that more work needed to be done on debt prevention through education and I also wanted to enjoy what I was doing again.

Working with actors, we can look at the issues surrounding people and debt, whilst being entertained. Our work is based firmly on the aims and principles of TIE (Theatre in Education) and is something the audience never forget.

The challenge was to make it viable, look at the costs and the challenges of getting it into community groups and schools.

I have been very lucky. Initially the UnLtd charity gave me enough money to put on our first performance, and then from those people who came along, we were fortunate enough to be passed onto Barclays Bank plc, who funded us to deliver the project to over 40 groups across the North East, in December 2008 Barclays very kindly extended their funding for us, to cover those groups working with 16 - 25 year olds.

As a debt advisor I was able to take on about 100 new clients each year and about 100 ongoing cases, between May 2008 to July 2009 our group performed over 100 times to over 4,000 people.

We are a Community Interest Company, Limited by guarantee, and I would like to thank the people who have not only supported us over the last four years but who have consistently got their hands dirty for Shontal. This has allowed us to spread our wings nationally and on one occasion we travelled over to perform at a conference in Brussels.

Doug Cowx - Director

Who Are We?

We are a small group of people with varying backgrounds, working in and around theatre, and in the financial literacy / inclusion sector.

Doug Cowx - Director and Session Facilitator

Previously with Costain Civil Engineering, Merz and McLellan Consulting Engineers and Ready Mixed Concrete, finished as an Assistant Management Accountant, after 11 years in the Free Advice Sector where i specialised in Debt Advice, I started this company, my main aim being to work on debt prevention through education, using live theatre to reinforce our work in schools and the community.

Pete Ross - Performer and Writer

Joined Shontal in Oct 2007, left in 2010, Pete helped  to reshape the current project, 'One Family's Story' and wrote 'Its Only a Few Quid' and 'Bust' with Doug, and Kathryn Mace.

Kathryn Mace - Performer and Writer

Native to the North East, Kathryn has worked as a Community Drama Worker and actor for the past 14 years. Kathryn joined Shontal in 2007 and left in 2009 and was instrumental in writing, devising, performing and developing the company.

Cheryl Marie Dixon - Performer

Cheryl joined in 2007 and now takes the lead role of 'Gill' in IOAFQ as well a devising and writing our latest piece of work 'Rat Trap' along with Doug and Pete

Rachel Glover - Performer

Originally from Leeds, Rachel moved to the North East to train at Northumbria University, studying Performance. Since graduating she has worked as a freelance performer, facilitator and stage manager throughout the region, and is now pleased as punch to be working with Shontal.

Gary Cole - Performer

Gary joined Shontal in 2009 and is enjoying travelling the country with us. He has worked in a variety of positions in business and the arts as an actor and manager and was a founder member of a community arts company in Suffolk. Gary is excited to be working with Shontal in these challenging times.