JIM RASTALL

Watch Laughologist and facilitator Jim work his magic with Dukes Education, helping Headteachers, Business Leaders and Support teams with communication and personal impact when presenting a message.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT 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.

But thankfully for Jim, his unorthodox approach to decision-making led him slap-bang into the middle of some great experiences and into some great friendships too. At Nottingham, he spent 99% of his time making shows, several of which went to the Edinburgh Festival. The highlight of these was sketch comedy ‘The Slippery Soapbox’, which was described by NME Magazine (remember that?) as ‘The slickest, sharpest and downright silliest new comedy since The Mighty Boosh’ (remember that?)

Things got very serious at The Bristol Old Vic, and he put away his sketch comedy tights for a while to focus on boring drama. I mean serious drama. You may have seen him pop up as a priest in Father Brown, a murderer in Vera (belated spoiler alert) and a walking spray tan in the swords and sandals family drama Atlantis.

Alongside acting, Jim has always taught, making it his mission to help actors, young and old, find new levels of freedom on stage and in life. This interest in and appreciation of the inner workings of our minds and our emotions meant that becoming a Laughologist was an obvious move (to him, at least!), and he’s extremely proud to be part of a team who makes spreading joy, laughter and happiness their business.

Jim’s facilitated thousands of hours of sessions in schools, including St Paul’s Cathedral School, The Hall School, and Merchant Taylors, as well as SEND schools and schools in some of the country's most deprived areas.

He’s excited to empower children and teaching staff alike to feel, think and act better for the good of all.

Favourite children’s book?

George’s Marvellous Medicine - cost my folks a fortune on toothpaste!

Funniest school-related moment?

Being called into the head of middle school’s office with my band, aged 14, and being told that he’d managed to secure us our first ‘Jig’. Bless Mr Handford. The terminology might’ve been all wrong, but the encouragement was all right.

Favourite teacher?

Mr King. Sorry Mr Handford, but Mr King established baseball and rugby teams in year 6. So it’s a clear win. He also introduced algebra, but I’ll forgive him for that.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Footballer, obviously.

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

I go with the Usain Bolt post-victory arms up and out (possibly holding an imaginary Jamaica flag). Accompanying this with a little internal blast of “I Am the One and Only” works wonders too.

More School Laughologists

Jim Rastall

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

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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