North London Festival of Music, Speech & Drama

Vivienne Redford

Vivienne Redford L.L.A.M. F.R.S.A. M.S.T.S.D. (Adj) has studied Speech and Drama since the age of four and has been teaching the subject since 1980. She is Head of Speech and Drama at a large school in Bedford. She is also Principal of Redford School of Speech and Drama, training children and adults in all aspects of performing arts and communication. Many of her former students perform in TV, film and theatre around the world. Others are pursuing careers as teachers of Speech and Drama, Theatre Directors and Technicians.

Vivienne has produced and directed a diverse range of musical and theatrical productions, and enjoys writing and devising original and creative theatre with her senior students. For the past 20 years she has directed a widely-acclaimed summer school, which culminates in a play written for, and performed by, the students.

Vivienne is an examiner for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, a member of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama and an Adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals. She is currently a Speech & Drama representative on the Adjudicators Council.

She has recently been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of her extensive work in Speech & Drama, particularly with young people.

She is a Vice-President of the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama which has given her a clear understanding and insight into the work, energy and commitment that Festival organisers, teachers and pupils put into making their Festivals a success.

When not working Vivienne enjoys seeing as much theatre as possible, reading, particularly books for children and young adults, cooking and relishes spending time with her family.

She is looking forward to adjudicating at the Festival and hopes that it will be a memorable and happy occasion for all those taking part.

Richard Marquiss

Richard Marquiss began performing at the age of 12 in his hometown in Lancashire, earning a scholarship to train at Millington’s Dance Academy. At 20, he swapped the northern air for London, where he
continued his training at Richmond Drama School, graduating in 2008. Since then, Richard has performed in numerous UK touring theatre productions, including pantomimes, classical adaptations, and family stage shows. He has featured in music videos and starred in the national theatre tour of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, playing the leading role of the Old Lady. His sereen work includes commercials for brands such as The London
Dungeons and McDonald’s, among others. In 2013, Richard took a step back from performing to establish the Candice Conway Theatre School, a decision he calls the best he’s ever made. Sharing his knowledge and passion with
aspiring young performers has become one of the most fulfilling parts of his career. Alongside teaching. Richard has also worked for many years as a drama adjudicator. He brings a wealth of experience in theatrical performance and critique, with a deep commitment to nurturing
talent and helping performers of all ages grow in skill and confidence.