Rosalind gained a B.A. Hons in Drama from Exeter University and then went on to get a further B.A. in acting from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
She started writing for various comedy sketch groups – most notably with a couple of her former Central colleagues Paul Handly and Timothy Beckmann with their group FAT HAMMOND’S BANJO LOUNGE. This ran for many years and had 2 trips to the Edinburgh fringe festival.
She then went on to write a couple of longer comedy pieces for the Camden Fringe with her ex husband Mark Hayden - “Wedded Bliss” and “Wedded Bliss – Through Therapy”, which received a transfer to THE LION AND UNICORN theatre. This may be because vodka jelly shots were handed out half way through the performance.
Her next writing adventure was a double feature of one act plays linked in theme by eulogies. First was “Smothy (a person who is attractive until they turn around)”. This play explored the close friendship of 2 men in retrospect after one has taken his own life. As you can see the work had taken on a darker tone but the comedy was still there as we romped through their failed relationships and early 80’s children’s programs. Second was “Lottie” the name of a beloved family dog that had passed. It looks at the demise of a relationship alongside that of the pet. These were both produced at THE ETCETERA theatre in Camden. These featured the beautiful songs of Lisa VonH and the acting talents of Nick Murphy, Ben Simmons, Matthew Salisbury and Rebecca Frith - and for one night only(!) the fantastic Liam Mulvey.
Lottie and a new 20 minute monologue “Anniversary”, which explored the topic of stalking appeared at the GuilFest where Lisa VonH played live alongside the acting of Nick Murphy and Rosalind herself this time. These 2 pieces became the centre of a full length play exploring the journey of a relationship taking a terrible turn. This became “The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People”, which was helped immeasurably by the acting talent of Chris Porter who helped develop the role of James. Rosalind and Chris had already had fun exploring the joys of a dysfunctional marriage as Iago and Emilia in “Othello” for GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY under the direction of Caroline Devlin, who will be directing the Delights of Dogs for Edinburgh. It was given a public reading at The Old Red Lion thanks to the help of Stewart Pringle. Rosalind reluctantly let Chris go when he was offered a role by Sir Kenneth Branagh in his Garrick season. A gal knows when she is defeated.
Rosalind fell on her feet when the role was accepted by the extraordinary Duncan Wilkins. “The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of people” had a six week run at the COURTYARD THEATRE in London which got extended for a further week. It was directed by Rupert Holloway. It received 5 star reviews and more importantly opened up much conversation on the topic of domestic abuse. The run ended with a charity performance raising money for ALL DOGS MATTER, BLUE CROSS, THE RSPCA and REFUGE.
“The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People” will be doing a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe this August with the original cast of Duncan Wilkins and Rosalind Blessed.
It will be playing at THE SPACE TRIPLEX STUDIOS 19 Hill Place.
A new play exploring the subject matter of mental health is nearly complete. As ever – Rosalind will think it’s a comedy but the audience will probably think it’s harrowing.
She started writing for various comedy sketch groups – most notably with a couple of her former Central colleagues Paul Handly and Timothy Beckmann with their group FAT HAMMOND’S BANJO LOUNGE. This ran for many years and had 2 trips to the Edinburgh fringe festival.
She then went on to write a couple of longer comedy pieces for the Camden Fringe with her ex husband Mark Hayden - “Wedded Bliss” and “Wedded Bliss – Through Therapy”, which received a transfer to THE LION AND UNICORN theatre. This may be because vodka jelly shots were handed out half way through the performance.
Her next writing adventure was a double feature of one act plays linked in theme by eulogies. First was “Smothy (a person who is attractive until they turn around)”. This play explored the close friendship of 2 men in retrospect after one has taken his own life. As you can see the work had taken on a darker tone but the comedy was still there as we romped through their failed relationships and early 80’s children’s programs. Second was “Lottie” the name of a beloved family dog that had passed. It looks at the demise of a relationship alongside that of the pet. These were both produced at THE ETCETERA theatre in Camden. These featured the beautiful songs of Lisa VonH and the acting talents of Nick Murphy, Ben Simmons, Matthew Salisbury and Rebecca Frith - and for one night only(!) the fantastic Liam Mulvey.
Lottie and a new 20 minute monologue “Anniversary”, which explored the topic of stalking appeared at the GuilFest where Lisa VonH played live alongside the acting of Nick Murphy and Rosalind herself this time. These 2 pieces became the centre of a full length play exploring the journey of a relationship taking a terrible turn. This became “The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People”, which was helped immeasurably by the acting talent of Chris Porter who helped develop the role of James. Rosalind and Chris had already had fun exploring the joys of a dysfunctional marriage as Iago and Emilia in “Othello” for GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY under the direction of Caroline Devlin, who will be directing the Delights of Dogs for Edinburgh. It was given a public reading at The Old Red Lion thanks to the help of Stewart Pringle. Rosalind reluctantly let Chris go when he was offered a role by Sir Kenneth Branagh in his Garrick season. A gal knows when she is defeated.
Rosalind fell on her feet when the role was accepted by the extraordinary Duncan Wilkins. “The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of people” had a six week run at the COURTYARD THEATRE in London which got extended for a further week. It was directed by Rupert Holloway. It received 5 star reviews and more importantly opened up much conversation on the topic of domestic abuse. The run ended with a charity performance raising money for ALL DOGS MATTER, BLUE CROSS, THE RSPCA and REFUGE.
“The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People” will be doing a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe this August with the original cast of Duncan Wilkins and Rosalind Blessed.
It will be playing at THE SPACE TRIPLEX STUDIOS 19 Hill Place.
A new play exploring the subject matter of mental health is nearly complete. As ever – Rosalind will think it’s a comedy but the audience will probably think it’s harrowing.