Photo by Kalum Carter
Hester is an international Theatre Director, Performer, Creative Engagement Consultant, Facilitator, Host, Clown and self producing artist with a passion for play and community. She devises performances that are socially engaged, highly visual, physical and immersive. Things involving food and silliness make her happy.
This site needs updating but here you will find a flavour of her past work.
Working in diverse communities, cultures and environments continue to inspire her. She frequently works in Malaysia, China, France and the UK, and has also previously worked in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Italy, India and Canada. Currently based in Bristol, UK.
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Hester studied at GOLDSMITHS, University of London (UK) where she focused on Theatre Making, Applied Theatre and Post-Colonial Theatre. More recently she has been a receiver of insults from master clown teachers at ÉCOLE PHILIPPE GAULIER, France. In London she trained with Clowns Without Borders in Creative Facilitation and Trauma Informed Practice. She is an Associate Artist with DOGLEG THEATRE- the proud custodians of the infamous immersive theatre venue 'The Waiting Room' at Shambala Festival.
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She is a Co-Artistic Director of WAYANG KITCHEN- fusing food, performance and bringing stories to life through the senses. Based in Malaysia and now spreading to the UK. Check out our website and instagram to see what we've been up to with the two British Council grants we were awarded.
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She is a core member of THE LOST CABARET - an international collective of weirdos bringing big ideas, experimentation and alternative comedy acts, from the risky to the utterly absurd. After co-founding the Paris team. she has now been organising and hosting LOST CABARET BRISTOL for over 2 years.
In Bristol, she has also been taking to the streets in acts of clown activism. Featured on the front page of the Bristol Post, you can see her as a Clown Cop with a giant pink dildo-cum-police baton, leading hundreds of protesters at the Kill The Bill march as a police officer with a red nose.
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NEWS!
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After 2.5 years, the 'English through Drama and Play' classes I have developed in partnership with Bristol Old Vic Theatre have come to an end. Since 2022 we have welcomed 128 refugees, asylum seekers and ESOL students to laugh, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging in Bristol.
Since meeting in Paris, then being awarded a commission by Trinity Centre in Bristol, Spilt Ink Theatre was born. With Arts Council England funding we created Nest, a family theatre show exploring migration and the meaning of home. We then undertook a residency at Hawkwood Centre For Future Thinking. for a new R&D exploring death and joy through clown.
Watch this space for more PLAY SESSIONS- for adults whose inner child needs some love. More information and links on @SpiltInkTheatre Instagram
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The Immersive Gig @ The Gingerbread House is now online. Watch it HERE Directed and produced by Hester, original music and dance by Bryony Perkins and poetry by Toby Thompson. Live streamed on facebook in aid of Julian House Domestic Abuse Refuge Fund.