He takes the reigns from Becky Cann and Fenella Harrop who have guided the company magnificently since their tenure began in 2015. In that time, they continued to establish Whole Hog as a leading local company by producing touring shows and festival work as well as collaborating closely with young actors and giving them the opportunity to perform in productions.
Darren joined Whole Hog in 2012 where he first played Rochester in the company’s version of ‘Jane Eyre’. He has gone onto appear in a diversity of productions winning awards for his performances at the All English Theatre Festival. He also made his debut as a playwright with ‘Wetwork’ which was published and has since been performed nationally and internationally.
Darren’s first production as artistic director will be a double bill of Harold Pinter plays that he will direct and appear in. This will be followed by an appearance at the Manx Amateur Drama Federation of Full-Length Plays staged every Easter. Whole Hog are no strangers to the festival having appeared six previous times, winning many awards.
Helping Darren will be Whole Hog co-founder and former artistic director, Matthew Clift. He returns to the company as Executive Director, working in a producer’s role as well as looking to direct the 2020 MADF entry.
Look out for further announcements coming soon.