A LITTLE BIT ABOUT 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!

Alison’s not-so-horrible history

Just like many of the other Laughologists, Alison started her varied career on stage and small screen. She travelled around Europe with Theatre In Education companies, held her own at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and appeared in an advert for Transport for London. She has also voiced a cartoon for a 3D animation series in Transylvania - think fairies, goblins and… cockerels!

Nowadays, Alison also loves to craft, Blue Peter style. Creating something from seemingly nothing gives her so much pleasure that she has her own YouTube channel and also delivers extra - curricular prop & puppetry workshops for children too! The most impressive thing she’s made is a milk bottle dinosaur skull. Because, who doesn’t love a milk bottle dinosaur skull?

She’s no stranger to the classroom environment and has worked in many primary schools with students, parents and teachers. One SENCO once said of her, “If I could bottle what Alison has, I’d be a millionaire.” (Just a disclaimer, Alison is not a millionaire yet, but her hopes remain high!)

And finally…

Alison is a true believer in exploring and nurturing children’s capabilities and talents. She understands every one of us has unique capabilities and achievements - and we should be very proud of every single one of them, from the smallest to the biggest.

Favourite children’s book?

There are SO many, but probably The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I just really identify with the lead character!

Funniest school-related moment?

Calling a teacher “Mum” in school - is there anything WORSE?

Favourite teacher?

Mr Wentworth, hands down. He introduced me to Shakespeare (not literally of course!)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An actor or time traveller.

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

I CAN! I WILL! WATCH ME!

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!

Alison Carter