LAURA WILLSTEAD

|I trained at the Arden school of theatre in Manchester in Technical theatre Arts. Once graduated I worked as a freelance Scenic Artist/ Props Maker and Assistant Designer. I landed at the New Vic Theatre where I have become their Head of workshops and Designer. Originally designing under my maiden name of  Laura Clarkson I am now Laura Willstead.

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Tom, Dick & Harry opened at the New Vic Theatre  June 2022 and  transferred to the Alexandra Palace, London with Kenny Wax Ltd 

I was also nominated for an OFFIES AWARD for my SET DESIGN  for Tom, Dick & Harry.

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In 2021 Beauty and the Beast was selected as one of the Observer's best Christmas family shows 2021 and was

NOMINATED FOR THE UK THEATRE AWARD FOR BEST SHOW FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 2021

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 |In 2017 the Snow Queen I set designed was announced the WINNER OF THE UK THEATRE AWARD FOR BEST SHOW FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 

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In 2012 Alice in Wonderland was also nominated for the same award of   THE UK THEATRE AWARD FOR BEST SHOW FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 2012

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 In 2015 I was named in the Guardian's article  Susannah Clapp: the best theatre  of  2015  for my design for Dracula.

                            "Equally crucial to defining a production were the designs by Laura Clarkson for Dracula,"

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Dracula was also named one of the Observer's 10 best shows of the year 2015