After a degree in English Literature at Cambridge University, Gemma moved to London for a year of theatrical training at Central School. There, she met nine friends and they became the Shunt collective.
SHUNT
Shunt created their own venue in Bethnal Green (2000-04) where they mounted their first productions.
‘An astounding piece of theatre. Radical. Original. Incredible.’ (Time Out : The Ballad of Bobby Francois 2000)
‘Fantastic, alarming inventiveness.’ (The Independent : The Tennis Show 2000)
‘The greatest fringe theatre on earth.’ (The Daily Telegraph : Dance Bear Dance 2003)
In 2004, Shunt moved to London Bridge, where they built an artistic empire! There, they became the first company to produce an off-site show for the National Theatre main programme: Tropicana, a cult hit. The next project was the legendary Shunt Lounge night club, which they ran alongside another full-scale show: Money. In 2014, Shunt worked together for the last time on The Boy who Climbed out of his Face before deciding to stop.
DIRECTING BEYOND SHUNT
In 2001, Gemma directed her first show, devised with the company - An Execution (Time Out Critics’ Choice). The following year, she met Silvia Mercuriali and started creating theatre within real environments. In Pinocchio, they drove the audience through the city at sunset. This was nominated for the Spirit of the Fringe Award in Dublin Festival. Silvia and Gemma have gone on to tour internationally (including to Japan, Australia and throughout Europe). Gemma’s work as director/writer has also been produced by the RSC. For an archive of projects, go to DIRECTING.
WRITING
During lockdown, Gemma became Dean of her very own university - The University of O.
PERFORMING
Go HERE for details of her work as a freelance actor and maker for other companies.
Image: Gemma (Monument)