Rose Bruford College recognised leading figures from across the creative industries at its 2019 Graduation Ceremonies, including acclaimed actor Jessica Gunning, choreographer and lighting designer Michael Hulls, and internationally renowned set designer Willie Williams.

A complete list of our newest Fellows, Honorary Fellows, and Professors Emiriti: 

Fellows

Jessica Gunning is an acclaimed stage and screen actor, widely recognised for her standout role in the hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer. Her work spans television, film and theatre, with credits including major productions for the BBC and Channel 4, as well as performances at leading UK theatres. Known for her versatility and distinctive presence, she has built a powerful reputation across both comedy and drama.

Dr Jorge Lopes Ramos is a theatre-maker, director and academic whose work spans performance, research and teaching. His practice explores contemporary theatre-making, often combining physical performance, text and interdisciplinary approaches. He has worked internationally and contributes significantly to the development of theatre education and practice.

Roshni Savjani is an experienced stage manager and producer with a career spanning touring theatre, live events and producing. After graduating from Rose Bruford College, she toured nationally and internationally on over 50 productions, before moving into leadership roles including General Manager at Birmingham Stage Company. She is also Co-Founder of Don’t Stop the Beat Productions.

Honorary Fellows

Mojisola Adebayo is a writer, performer and director whose work centres on Black British history, queer identity and social justice. Her plays have been widely staged and celebrated for their political insight and innovative storytelling, contributing significantly to contemporary British theatre.

Colin Campbell is a respected theatre professional with a long-standing career in production and technical theatre. His work has supported a wide range of performances and organisations, contributing to the development of high-quality theatre production practice.

Michael Hulls is a pioneering choreographer and lighting designer, best known for his long-term collaboration with choreographer Russell Maliphant. His work seamlessly integrates movement and light, creating visually distinctive and immersive performances that have been presented internationally. Their collaboration PUSH, with Sylvie Guillem, won four major awards including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production, while Broken Fall, also with Guillem, received the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production.

Michael and Russell Maliphant’s work was the subject of the Channel 4 documentary Light and Dance. In 2009, Michael received the Knight of Illumination Award for Dance for Eonnagata, his collaboration with Sylvie Guillem, Robert Lepage and Russell Maliphant. He has also worked extensively with choreographer Akram Khan, including on DESH, which won the 2012 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and the TMA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.

In 2010, Michael became an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells, and his contribution to the field was recognised with his inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary of Dance. He received the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2014. His installation work includes LightSpace at Sadler’s Wells in 2016, for which he received a second Knight of Illumination Award.

Cara Turton is a leading costume supervisor and maker, known for her work across theatre, opera and dance. She has contributed to numerous high-profile productions, supporting designers and creative teams in realising complex and detailed costume designs.

Willie Williams is an internationally renowned stage and set designer, best known for his work in large-scale live music and touring productions. His concert touring design and direction credits include collaborations with artists such as U2, Robbie Williams, R.E.M., George Michael, David Bowie and Self Esteem. Known for creating visually ambitious and technically complex stage environments, his work has helped redefine the possibilities of live performance design on a global scale.

Professors Emeriti

Kathleen Dacre is a highly respected educator and theatre practitioner who has made a significant contribution to the development of actor training at Rose Bruford College. Her work has influenced generations of performers through her commitment to rigorous and innovative teaching.

Nesta Jones is a distinguished theatre director, educator and researcher, known for her work in actor training and performance practice. She has played a key role in shaping the College’s academic and creative direction, contributing to its reputation for excellence in theatre education.