WHO WE ARE
Not The Way Forward makes female-led theatre, reimagining classic stories in a way that puts powerful, intelligent women centre stage. We work with existing plays, as well as new adaptations of novels, to create fast-paced, funny and heartbreaking stories, and enjoy playing with bold design ideas to create work that is as eye-catching as it is entertaining. However old our source material is, we want to make work that feels ALIVE.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DOROTHY MCDOWELL
she/her
Dorothy is a director and writer from Northern Ireland. She studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford, and is a member of the National Youth Theatre. She is particularly interested in Early Modern, Restoration and Victorian theatre, and in the overlap between direction and design. She created Not The Way Forward in 2019 with the aim of creating exciting, unusual roles for women.
ASSOCIATE ARTISTS
LOLA BEAL
she/her
Lola is an actor from Plymouth who studied at the University of Oxford and is training at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She is interested in Early Modern drama (particularly Shakespeare) and horror cinema. Her work with Not The Way Forward includes Measure For Measure, Richard II, Casterbridge and The Great Duke of Florence.
LARA DEERING
she/her
Lara is an actor from Cirencester, currently studying MA Acting (Classical) at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, having graduated from the University of Oxford (BA English). She is interested in imaginative and collaborative new writing processes, and experimental approaches to classical texts. Her work with Not The Way Forward includes Casterbridge.
TATIANA GILFILLAN
she/her
Tatiana is an actor from London. She trained on the Rose Bruford foundation course, and is now studying for a 1 year Diploma at Drama Studio. Her work with Not The Way Forward includes Casterbridge and The Great Duke of Florence.
LEAH O'GRADY
she/they
Leah is a student at the University of Oxford (BA PPE) and writes, directs and acts in gay and feminist classics. She is currently an assistant at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Her work with Not the Way Forward includes Casterbridge and The Great Duke of Florence.
LORELEI PIPER
she/her
Lorelei is an actor and singer from London. She graduated from the University of Oxford in 2021 and is currently applying for drama school. Her work with Not The Way Forward includes Richard II and Casterbridge.