Susanne trained in Swansea and with the Academy of Creative Training (Brighton). She has also undertaken bespoke training and coaching with various professional directors, musical directors and acting coaches, including Britt Forsberg and training in one person shows with Jonathan Brown.
Below examples of work are listed as most recent first.
Queers
Monologues curated by Mark Gatiss
Brighton Little Theatre, Brighton, April 2024
Director of two of the seven monologues: Missing Alice and More Anger
Brighton Source review here
Audience Feedback
“Absolutely stunning work from everyone involved… engaging, emotional, beautifully crafted and expertly delivered”
“Still buzzing this morning and thinking about all those stories. A fantastic night in the theatre.”
“wonderful performances from everyone. One of the best 7 handers that I have seen and brilliantly directed”
“a wonderful production and performances by all involved”
Shadowlands
Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton, October 2023, produced by Wick Theatre Company
Director, Designer, Publicity and Promotion, Lighting Design & Programming, Sound Design
Audience Feedback
“So very well acted, directed, and beautifully staged.”
“all choreographed the set to send us to different places beautifully”
“Directed with aplomb”
“this play, which could easily fall into Hallmark movie schmaltz, hits it’s notes beautifully.”
“a moving and spellbinding production”
“Poignant (I had “something in my eye” on several occasions), funny, great direction / production values, and a VERY talented cast.”
I Dream Before I Take the Stand
Brighton Little Theatre, Brighton, September 2023
Director
Days
The Lantern Theatre, Brighton, May 2023, produced by Twilight Theatre
Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, Sound Design, Lighting Design, Projector Design, Film Design, Publicity and Promotion
“Trilby McDowall & the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2022
This tells the story of Trilby McDowall, a young woman from Scotland who did not accept that you could not do anything to help the First World War; and left everything she knew to volunteer on the front lines with the then unknown First Aid Nursing Yeomanry: FANY.
Project Director, Researcher, Writer, Teacher, Script Writer, Film Director, Actor, Presenter, Voice Over, Film Crew
“The Haunting of Hill House” by F Andrew Leslie
Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton, June 2022, produced by Wick Theatre Company
Co-Director, lighting design, sound operation, special effects (voice), publicity and promotion
My very good friend Guy Steddon directed this beautiful piece of theatre and because he had cast himself in quite a major role, invited me to be his co-director / second in command. I have enormous respect for him as an actor and director and so of course I said yes without hesitation. It was a wonderful journey for us all and a very special bond formed between all the cast members.
Promotional Teaser Trailer on YouTube: click here
Feedback
Shoreham Herald: “Congratulations to you all for scaring and entertaining a very rapt audience in equal measure.” read the full review here.
NODA: “Wick Theatre Company has certainly tapped into the human fascination with things that go bump in the night!”
“In a nutshell, The Haunting of Hill House, which was really well directed by Guy Seddon and Suse Crosby, was a production that delighted in putting people on the edge of their seats and it certainly did that.”
Full review here
“The Exorcism” by Don Taylor
Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton, January 2020, produced by Wick Theatre Company
Director, set, sound and lighting design, publicity and promotion
Promotional Teaser Trailer on YouTube: click here
Shoreham Herald preview piece and interview with Susanne: click here
Feedback
Shoreham Herald: “It is unnerving, scary and thought-provoking, full of chills and terror” read the full review here.
Brighton Argus review was also incredibly positive: “The Wick Company, well known locally for accepting challenges head-on, give their all with energy, courage and skill”, but although the reviewer sent the company the review, I can’t find any record of it being published.
NODA: “It was an unknown piece and, after some research beforehand, a bold proposition in my opinion but one that director Susanne Crosby achieves brilliantly.”
“The direction is natural and the pace excellent. An exceptionally wordy script, especially for a cast of four to comprehend is superbly delivered with no obvious dropped lines or stumbling. Credit to both the cast and director for an extremely well rehearsed performance.”
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“Crime and Punishment in the First World War” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2019
From a research project with St Catherine’s College in Eastbourne about life in the armed forces during one of the bleakest times in Britain’s past.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Macbeth”
Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton, March 2019, produced by Wick Theatre Company
Director, set, sound and lighting design, publicity and promotion
Promotional Teaser Trailers: 2019-02-26 15.34.15 2019-03-05 00.42.48
Feedback:
NODA: “clever direction… the production was well executed, slick and enjoyable” Read the full review: Page 9 Review NODA
Brighton Argus 4 stars “director Susanne Crosby must be thanked for mounting a traditional production of the Scottish Play”
Shoreham Herald “Award-winning director Susanne Crosby had a very definite vision and it really paid off”
“Authentic and intimate production”
“Macbeth has been done in so many ways and set in so many different time frames, it is almost a treat to see a traditional production – and that is exactly what Wick Theatre Company gives us at the Barn Theatre in Southwick this week.
Treat it is, indeed, with a strong cast and an award-winning director carrying a strong vision for a play she fell in love with at school.
Susanne Crosby plays it straight, making it as authentic as possible, and gives us an intimate production, set in the round, so we really feel part of the action.
Macbeth is a play that is full of action, with fight scenes, confrontations and a ghost, but is also a very wordy play and it is impressive to hear the entire cast speaking the Shakespearean language so naturally.
The witches’ entrance is unexpected, so right from the start, the audience is drawn in, and the trio’s powerful delivery is mesmerising. Emily Hale, Katie Hunwick and Nettie Sheridan are strong throughout and keeping them younger, rather than turning them into old hags, somehow adds more menace.”
Broadway Baby 3 stars
Audience Feedback:
“Just wow!! Absolutely brilliant… shame there are no tickets left, would definitely recommend!”
“What a show – the intensity was fantastic. All round brilliance – bravo to cast, crew and the fantastic director!”
“The acting was fantastic… impressed”
“We loved every minute”
“congratulations to all involved in Macbeth. A wonderful, brilliant theatrical experience. Everyone was brilliant, expertly involved in a fantastic interpretation of the Scottish Play. Thoroughly enjoyed it”
“smashed it – I was stunned how good the sword fights were – it all got rather exciting”
“Everything was brilliant! … I am in awe”
“Wonderful murder scenes and fights”
“Your production of Macbeth was amazing. I was spellbound from beginning to end. As usual great acting from all. Another excellent night in your company.”
“I have to say, best – the best Macbeth and Lady Macbeth I’ve ever seen. Stunning performance by the whole cast. Truly wonderful everyone involved”
“a brilliant directorial piece”
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“Waiting for Curry”
Also Writer, Actor, Designer, Producer.
Kings Head Theatre, London, January 2019, produced by Twilight Theatre – click here for more info
Following the success of “Waiting for Curry” in the Brighton Fringe (see below) the Kings Head Theatre invited Twilight Theatre to perform it there for two nights. The audience responses were fabulous.
Feedback:
“it’s like the Peep Show meets Pinter, without the pauses.”
“Loved it!”
“beautifully performed”
“You recognise yourself in the characters”
“Fantastic writing”
“a wonderfully honest, comical and loveable script, performed by an amazing group of actors”
“brilliant!”
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“The Corn is Green”
Barn Theatre, Southwick, Brighton, December 2018, produced by the Southwick Players
Director, voice coach, set, sound and lighting design
This was the Southwick Players entry into the Brighton & Hove Arts Council Awards 2018. The production won 3 awards and was nominated for a further 3, including a nomination for best director for Susanne. Shoreham Herald Article Link
Susanne gave an interview to the Shoreham Herald about directing a play she has loved since she studied it at school aged 14. Shoreham Herald interview
Feedback:
Excerpt from the Shoreham Herald Review: “As soon as the curtain opens and you see the incredible set, you know The Corn is Green is going to be good.
“Adjudicator Jane Collins described it as a wonderful production, after last night’s performance, and said she found it very moving, praising director Susanne Crosby for her approach.” Read the review here
Excerpt from the NODA Review: “This was a huge, multi-layered, compelling play, masterfully or rather, with the play in mind, ‘mistressfully’ directed by Susanne Crosby. It was engrossing, moving, funny and thought-provoking and the acting was superb.” Read the review here
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“Antling”
Director, sound design, sound and lighting tech, photos and artwork
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, August 2018, produced by Pepper Productions
Brighton Fringe Festival, May 2018, produced by Pepper Productions
Hove Grown Festival, March 2018, produced by Pepper Productions
James Roy interview with Susanne on Meridian FM
Feedback:
‘The Fountain’ Review 4.5 stars
James Roy on Meridian FM’s review 4 stars
Audience Feedback:
“Brilliant, laugh out loud funny and touching too” “Such a gem of a show” “so warm and generous” “charming and hilarious” “fantastic show” “fantastic” “well written and hilarious performance” “hilariously funny and so well performed” “honest, funny and life affirming” “A must see for all Ant fans, and well worth catching even if you aren’t!”
“very clear and strong multi-roling and each scene was clearly set up and depicted / defined. Liked the themes – what’s our priority, especially as our lives play out – success or love? How do we define ourselves? Thought provoking. – Great soundtrack! Good energy throughout.”
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“Waiting for Curry”
Also Writer, Actor, Designer, Producer.
Brighton Fringe Festival, Brighton, May 2018, produced by Twilight Theatre – click here for more info
Director and Cast Interview on Meridian FM
Feedback:
Fringe Review: Highly Recommended Show “We’re exposed to Chris’s anxieties first, Crosby herself superbly conveying an insecure, prickly not entirely sympathetic character.”
James Roy on Meridian FM’s review 5 stars Review
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“The Session”
Hove Grown Festival, March / April 2018, Produced by Twilight Theatre – click here for more info
Writer, Director, Producer, sound and lighting design and tech
Feedback:
James Roy at Meridian FM – 4 stars
“Well done … for a fabulous performance and Suse Crosby for another brilliant play” “It gets the old grey matter thinking. One not to miss. Written by the amazing Suse Crosby.” “Excellent twist, didn’t guess the ending… all cast very good.” “Loved it, very tense. Loved the twist. Wonderful writing.” “Loved it” “Cleverly written, brilliantly performed” “What an amazing fantastic performance! A brilliantly written script and a very very talented cast” “It was fantastic. Gripping, funny, poignant.” “Really enjoyed the twist” “Brilliantly written”
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“Waiting for Curry”
Hove Grown Festival, April 2017, Produced by Twilight Theatre and CAM Productions – click here for more info
Writer, Director, producer, sound and lighting design and tech
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“The Day Sussex Died” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2016
From a research project with St Catherine’s College in Eastbourne about the Battle of Boar’s Head 30 June 1916, a diversionary tactic the day before the Battle of the Somme commenced.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Twelve & Sixpence: Life on the Home front during the First World War” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2016
From a research project with Manor Primary School in Uckfield about people on the Home Front.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew, Narrator
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Margaret Damer Dawson and the Women’s Police Service” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2016
From a research project with St Pauls School in Brighton about Margaret Damer Dawson and the start of the Women’s Police Service in 1914.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew, Narrator
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Be The Best You Can Be” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2015
From a project with five Uckfield primary schools in the Uckfield Town Schools’ Alliance to introduce Olympians and Paralympians to inspire children to identify personal goals and overcome obstacles.
Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew
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“The Fastest Girl on Earth” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2015
From a research project with Helenswood Academy in St Leonards-on-Sea about Dorothy Levitt: the first female racing driver.
Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew, Cameo, Voice Over
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Animals in the First World War” Educational Film
Life Wisdoms, 2015
From a research project with St Thomas C of E Primary School in Groombridge about Animals in the First World War.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Lettice & Lovage”
written by Peter Shaffer, Produced by Southwick Players, April 2015
Co-director and lead Actor
For the fabulous gallery of professional show photos please see the Miles Davies Photography gallery.
Excerpt from the West Sussex Gazette review:
“IT TAKES a special person to fill the lead role in a play with just four weeks’ notice. Luckily for Southwick Players, Susanne Crosby has that quality, taking on the role of Lettice Douffet at the 11th hour and giving what can only be described as an award-winning performance on opening night yesterday.”
“It is a big role to fill but Susanne did it beautifully, not only hilarious throughout but bringing out the poignancy towards the end. As she is an experienced writer and director, it is no surprise her performance extended from head to toe, with every movement counting.”
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“The Right to Refuse” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, 2014
From a research project with Newlands School in Seaford about Conscientious Objectors in the First World War.
Project Director, Script Writer, Film Director, Film Crew
Click here to watch the film on YouTube
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“Twenty to Something”
Brighton Fringe Festival, May 2014, Produced by Twenty to One Productions
Director, sound, lighting and play editor.
The play won “Best New Writing” 2014 with New Writing South.
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Dazzling Divas at Jester’s Bar
Eastbourne, May 2014
Singing performer and director of the two shows: Divas at the musicals, Divas at the party
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“The Spark”
Eastbourne Festival, March 2013, Produced by CAM Productions – click here for more info
Actor, Director, Producer & Writer
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Emily in “Emily”
by Susanne Crosby; a one person show in the making at the ‘Scratch Night’ at The Rock Inn, Brighton, December 2012 – actor and co-director
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“Chalk to Mouse” Educational Film
Sound Architect Creative Media, June 2012
Film Director for one of the four schools, film crew, character voice
Educational Film with four different schools in East Sussex, looking at what school was like in the Victorian era, during World War Two and in the 1970’s; and how it differs from today.
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“Pearl”
Southwick, June 2012, Produced by Southwick Players – click here for more info
Actor, Director, & Writer
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“Kiss of Doubt”
Hailsham Pavilion, March 2011, Produced by CAM Production – click here for more info
Actor, Director, Producer & Writer
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“The Spark That Lights the Fire”
part of Fire & Ice: The Spark That Lights the Fire & Visiting Hours – Brighton Fringe Festival 2004, Produced by CAM Productions
Actor, Director, Producer & Writer
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“Midnight Rain”
Brighton Fringe Festival 2003, Produced by CAM Productions – click here for more info
Actor, director, producer & writer
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“One of Them”
Golden Jubilee Celebrations at Eastbourne 2002, Produced by CAM Productions
Actor, director, producer & writer
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Seaford Little Theatre Fundraiser
An quiz evening followed, food, and performance. 2002, Seaford Little Theatre.
Compere, assistant show designer, singer with live keyboard accompaniment
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Mandy in “Lemonade”
– Brighton, September 2000, Produced by CAM Productions
Actor, assistant director, producer & assistant writer & editor
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“Dick Whittington Meets Puss in Boots Panto”
– Lewes, March 2000, Produced by Trace & Croserstedt Productions
Actor, director, producer & writer
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“The Meridian Murder Mystery”
Charity Fundraiser by Susanne Crosby (as Sannerstedt), Croserstedt and Meridian Productions, in Lewes, 1999
Actor, director, producer, event organiser and writer