A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LAURA DRURY

Laura began her professional career as a performer, having trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Her passion lay in theatre; particularly Shakespeare. Unsurprisingly, as she’s now a Laughologist, Laura also excelled in comedy and farce. She always felt she had great comic… wait for it… timing!

Laura’s not-so-horrible history

After her time at drama school, Laura delivered physical education sessions based on maths for Key Stage 1. Considering these are both areas in life which Laura has had to apply her Growth Mindset, this really was quite an achievement!

She also worked with the English Pocket Opera Company; visiting schools across the UK, and devising opera workshops, with children from ages 3 to 11. They then had the opportunity to perform their work with professional opera singers in the West End.

Tiring of fame, Laura decided to step away from the limelight (ahem), and started delivering communication skills programmes for adults as a ‘side-line’. She also rapidly became interested in the psychology behind the work and trained as a coach. She became passionate about helping others believe in themselves and to achieve their goals.

Laura is now a leading facilitator for Laughology and is constantly updating her knowledge of neuroscience. She’s one of the people who helps keep the rest of us on our toes, as she regularly pings through new articles, podcasts and pieces of research. Every team needs a Laura!

Inspired and motivated by positive psychology, Laura brings her own positivity and Welsh bubbliness to all sessions; ensuring that everyone leaves feeling more knowledgeable, enthused and determined to put plans into action.

Laura has worked with many different schools, as well as colleges and universities, including:

City of Glasgow College - Menopause
The Matthew Arnold School – Positive communication and relationship building for staff
St John Rigby Catholic Primary School – Growth mindset keynote for pupils
New Durham College - Workload overload for staff
St Luke’s CVEA - Creating the right environment (motivation and team building) INSET
Wroxham School – FLIP it thinking session for parents
University of Essex - Challenging unconscious bias

And finally…

Described by her husband as vertically challenged (or just small), Laura is as spirited and determined as she is short. She is also warm, intuitive and has the ability to create an instant rapport with those she works with, helping them to push boundaries and go outside their comfort zones, laughing all the way.

Favourite children’s book?

Matilda, very closely followed by the BFG, Twits, Revolting Rhymes… LOVED Roald Dahl. Perhaps that’s where I got my dark sense of humour…?!

Funniest school-related moment?

Someone fainting on me during a choral performance (I think it might have been whilst at the Eisteddfod). I stepped to one side and unwittingly let them fall to the ground… eek!

Favourite teacher?

Mr Clements who made maths easier to understand to the point where I actually enjoyed it!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress

What’s your go-to power pose and mantra?

Wonder woman ‘It all starts with a smile’

More School Laughologists

Jim Rastall

Jim studied English and Classical Civilisation at Nottingham University and then Acting at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a school he chose almost entirely because Pete Postlethwaite had trained there. Sounds like unusually flimsy grounds on which to base such a big decision- until you realise that he only chose Nottingham University because he likes Robin Hoodaaa. and Classical Civilisation because he likes Gladiator and The Usborne Greek Myths series of books.

Sarah Creegan

Unlike many of the other Laughologists, Sarah doesn't have a background on stage or telly, so she hasn't rubbed shoulders with that many celebs. The best Sarah has to offer is that the Red Arrows flew over Lincoln hospital on the day she was born. And she once overhugged the gymnast Beth Tweddle at a railway station. There is now an injunction in place!

Stephanie Davies

Stephanie Davies grew up on the Isle of Man where she developed a belief in fairies which exists to this day. She has the smallest little fingers of any human being, ever, and can often be seen walking a cat on a lead in the Surrey village where she lives.

Laura Drury

Kerry Leigh

Kerry Leigh has been a professional comedian and compere for over 20 years and was the child star of the Operation board game TV ads. She has a deep appreciation of stationery and is particularly happy when she has a good quality notebook in her hand.

Dave Keeling

Dave ‘Billy Elliot’ Keeling grew up in a pit village in Nottinghamshire and was tap dancing three times a week by the age of ten. Never one to shy away from challenge and risk, he then moved into the world of acting and trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Victoria Maitland

Victoria grew up in the west country, but headed to the big lights and big city just after turning 18. After training professionally in acting and musical theatre she became somewhat of an expert in historical dance and can be seen being lifted, twirled and thrown around in the background of many a period drama.

Selina Brown

Selina used to work with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which ignited her passion for working with children. She was also a children’s entertainer, dressing up as princesses and clowns for loads of excitably bouncy, sugar-fuelled kids. She says it sounds scarier than it was. Yeah, we believe you, Selina!

Danielle Downey

Danielle has a degree in animation and a passion for comedy. She enjoys performing, illustrating, writing and leading workshops. After winning a scholarship to study at Sylvia Young theatre school, Danielle appeared in many West End shows as a child/teenager. She’s too modest to mention which ones though…

Alison Carter

Alison has been working with young people since graduating from drama school 12 years ago. Her performing arts background means she’s no stranger to acting like a clown to get the giggles going!

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