A LITTLE BIT ABOUT 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…

Danielle’s not-so-horrible history

Danielle chose to study animation at university as it combined her passions for writing, illustration and storytelling. Always one to observe the joy/comedy of the world around her, Danielle constantly carries around a sketchpad, making notes and drawings of overheard funny conversations she encounters.

Around 7 years ago, Danielle entered the world of comedy improvisation, joining the group ‘CSI crime scene improvisation’, a murder mystery show that plays regularly around the UK/Edinburgh Fringe. Improv allows Danielle to surprise herself, create storylines from nothing and, most importantly, collaborate with fellow performers to create exciting narratives.

Danielle has done several courses at The Soho Theatre, particularly enjoying the Drag and Cabaret course that helped develop a 2 woman show she wrote/performed at Brighton Fringe and Museum of Comedy. Danielle regularly performs sketch comedy and enjoys using parody to address issues she is passionate about (for ex female empowerment and mental health).

With over 10 years’ experience of teaching English, Danielle gets great fulfilment helping students develop independence and confidence in reading and writing. It takes encouragement, humour and an understanding of an individual’s learning style (because we are all so different!) for every student to reach their potential.

Danielle loves working with Laughology and has especially enjoyed learning more about the brain. She is very passionate about meditation, laughter, movement and ways we can keep our brains healthy in a world of social media and outside pressures.

And finally…

As an only child, Danielle was forced to develop a big imagination and amuse herself by creating characters, games and (wicked) schemes. If you’d like Danielle to bring her big imagination and a little bit of scheming into your school, just give us a ring.

Favourite children’s book?

The Teeny-Tiny Woman by Paula Galdone. It’s an old fairy tale that’s pretty spooky!

Funniest school-related moment?

My best friend and I had walkie talkie watches that we wore hidden under our sleeves. In classes where we sat apart, we would talk into the watches. Not long after we’d got the watches, we were caught by our science teacher Ms Jenkins - I think I was making fart noises at the time!

Favourite teacher?

This is tricky… because I’ve been very blessed with inspirational teachers throughout my life.

But Martin, my drama teacher or Mr Mac, my English teacher, who ate burnt toast and jumped on tables reciting Shakespeare.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

The Little Mermaid at Disneyland, or someone who carried a briefcase.

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

I find shaking out tension very helpful. Shaking the entire body can feel so good. Once I’ve shaken all my stress out I give a big sigh and say, ‘I needed that!’

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

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!

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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