April 2009

Helen is currently on tour with a comedy called "The Naked Truth". Helen plays the BBC Reporter and also understudies Lisa Riley, Trudie Goodwin, Julie Buckfield, Emily Aston, Abi Titmuss and Lorriane Hodgson. The play is set in a pole dancing class and follows the lives of six women. Full tour dates, video clip and biogs can all be seen here "The Naked Truth" Full details.

Australian premier of "Gasoline Blood" in which Helen plays lead girl in Zombie Horror Film was seen on 1st April at The International Horror Film Festival in Sydney, at the Dendy Newtown Cinema.

"Spring Awakening" has now been released in which Helen plays the lead girl Wendla. A classic play about sexual awakening this verison is an audio book that has been re-set during World War Two England. To buy and read more about it, please visit here.

November 2008

Around ten of Helens plays were performed as part of Portsmouth Festival of Christmas at the Historic Dockyard. Helen also performed in "The Monster of the Mine" alongside Groundlings student Alex Gilchrist who won the student award of "Best Actor", the same acting award Helen won in 2003.

September 2008

Helen is to record the audio book of Ibsen's "Ghosts" in the lead role of Regine. Ghosts is recorded by Fantom Films, directed by Dextor O'Neill.

August 2008

"Friends for Life" was performed at the beginning of the month at The Millfield Theatre recieving fantastic feedback.

July 2008

Helen has recorded "Spring Awakening" with Fantom Films in the lead role of Wendla. This will b e due for release as audio book very soon return here for more details as view www.fantomfilms.co.uk/fullcatalogue.htm Helen's other work for Fantom Film's includes location director for M.R.James Audio Books, Interviewer on the "T-Bag Reunion" and lead actress in the sci-fi series "Explode".

Helen continues to perform at The London Dungeon's in a variety of roles.

Rehearsals continue on "Friends for Life", written and directed by Helen Oakleigh with Legacy Arts and Ghetto Youth Theatre. See the countdown for how long until the first show! Tickets are now on sale at, http://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/show.php?show_id=464

May 2008

Helen is currently  studying at RADA with Stephen Jefferies after RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) read a copy of her play "Friends for Life". Runs from beginning May 2008- end July 2008.

Helen is pleased to announce casting is complete for "Friends for Life". Legacy Arts are producing the play with Ghetto Youth Theatre. Tickets are now on sale, available from http://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/

April 2008

Helen is DSM for "Darling Buds of May" The Musical at The Kings Theatre, Southsea. Beautiful No.1 Theatre with large cast of over 40. All original songs by Heather Uden and directed by Richard Stride. Written by David Burton.

Helen directed Ionesco's absurd comedy "The Bald Prima Donna" which played at The Space Theatre, London. Cast of 6 including Kevin Haney, Kelly Phillpot, Lisa Thurogood and Ben Whitehead.

March 2008
Helen is currently working at London Dungeons in a number of roles from Mrs Lovett to Mary Jane Kelly to the torturer and Dr. Boghurst. Other roles include the clerk or judge in the 18th Century Courtroom and the new barmaid at the ten bells pub. Visit London Dungeons for more details.

Helen was Queen Elizabeth in "Shakespeare Tales", an Easter play performed in Groombridge House Gardens. With extracts from As You Like It and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Dates for Helen's full length play have been confirmed as 31st July and 1st August at London's Millfield Theatre. Visit http://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/ for details about the venue. Tickets to go on sale soon.

Febuary 2008

Ghetto Theatre Company are producing Helen's play "Friends for Life". The show combines live performance and media to portray the effects of child abuse, violence and friendship. The main characters are 15 year old girls in this brand new drama which has been described as a cross between "The History Boys" and "Thelma and Louise". Details to buy tickets to be announced soon.

January 2008

Helen's full length play "Friends for Life" is to be performed later this year at The Millfield Theatre. More details to follow.

December 2007

Helen is produced and directed the entertainment for the launch of Cunard's brand new ship "The Queen Victoria". The event was visited by thousands over the five day period with highlights including The Speigal Stage, fireworks and a parade. Helen also performed at the event as Queen Victoria in a horse drawn carriage.

November 2007

Helen is currently producing and directing for The Festival of Christmas, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and producing the entertainment for the launch of The Queen Victoria ship in Southampton to be attended by HRH The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Her play "Friends for Life" has reached the 3rd round of Soho Theatre's writing competition.

Helen was DSM for Groundlings Theatre production of The Snow Queen at The Kings Theatre, Southsea. Helen called the show including lights, sound, flys, crew and setting off pyros.

Helen performed at Groombridge Place for their Halloween performance as a ghost. Pictures to follow shortly.

September 2007  

Helen is currently touring with "The Wizard of Oz" playing The Wicked Witch of The West and Glinda, The Good Witch of The North. This month she has performed in Ayr, Edinburgh, Newcastle and throughout England down to Bournemouth later in the month.

August 2007

Helen has had poetry reviewed and scored on Voices Net as part of the Interntional Poetry Competition. Find out more about the competition at  http://www.mrsite.co.uk/www.VoicesNet.com

Helen is  in rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz, UK tour. Helen is the Wicked Witch of the West. More details of tour dates to follow.

 

 

 

July 2007

Helen has been cast in a UK tour of The Wizard of Oz. Helen will be playing The Wicked Witch of the West. More details to follow.

June 2007

Helen has been busy on a couple of writing projects. She has now completed her second full length play "Friends For Life" which is currently being read by The Soho Theatre. The play deals with child abuse, friendship and crime. It follows the lives of three 15 year old girls, one of their Grans and the court case that surrounds them.

May 2007

This month the audio book "M.R. James" has been released for general sale. A series of ghost stories narrated by Gareth David-Lloyd (Ianto Jones in Torchwood), Ian Fairbairn and Geoffrey Bayldon whom Helen directed as he read "Lost Hearts". See below for  link to his extensive IMDB page which contains about 140 well-known credits.

April 2007

This month Helen presented a documentary interviewing the cast and crew of hit Children's Programme "T. Bag". The show ran for 96 episodes in the late 1980s and early 90s. Helen interviewed; Kellie Bright who later starred in "The Archers", Bad Girls and currently is starring in the West End, Matt Zimmerman who was also the voice of Alan Tracy in Thunderbirds, Jennie Stallwoood, Liz Estensen who currently plays Diane in "Emmerdale", Ray Childe costume designer for "T-Bag", "Mike and Angelo" and many others, Terry Trower (composer) and Leon Thau who directed two series of T-Bag in addition to also directing on "Prisoner"(Cell Block H). Helen will finish recording next month interviewing Jon Hasler and Georgina Hale among others.

Helen acted on screen for Raindance workshops aimed at helping directors direct actors on screen.

Helen performed at Groombridge Place Gardens over Easter in the role of Titania.

Helen wrote and directed a shortened version of Cinderella for Dramarama Theatre School stage one.

Febuary 2007

Helen has been giving tuition for forth-coming LAMDA exams for pupils of Dramarama Theatre School in North London.

Helen directed the ghost story "Lost Hearts"   for Audio release with Fantom Films. The Mr James stories was   read by Geoffrey Bayldon.   Available to buy online very soon. Please return to Shopping Page soon for more details.   To read more about Geoffrey Bayldon visit   http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001933/ To buy   visit, http://www.fantomfilms.co.uk/

Helen directed "The Princess Diaries" for Dramarama Theatre School in Hampstead, London. The one week course for the drama students enabled them to perform the specially adapted version of this classic in just one week. For more details visit website,   http://www.dramarama.co.uk/index.html

January 2007

On January 30th 2007   Helen recieved an award for "Best Director" after making two short films last year- "Happy Days" and "A Midsummer Nightmare". To view pictures of Helen recieving the award and to view the films http://newmedia.ndtc.org/wayne/video_films.html

Helen   finished   a very successful run of Cinderella at Peterborough's Cresset Theatre on 6th January 2007. As the Fairy Godmother/ Co-director and Company Manager of the 19 strong cast she has worked very hard with everyone on this delightful production.

On completing Cinderella Helen began rehearsals for Face Fronts production of "Sex FM". As stage manager Helen had a fantastic time   working on this childrens play aimed at 13 year olds.

On 12th January there was   a screening of horror short "Gasoline Blood" at The ICA, The Mall, London in association with The Curzon cinema. Helen plays the lead role as previously mentioned. To book visit http://www.ica.org.uk/?lid=12772

December 2006

This month has already seen Helen perform for around 40,000 visitors at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth in the role of Queen Victoria. She was escorted each day by the fantastic Cumberland Guard and "John Brown" played by Alan Davies. With her very own horse and carriage (replica of Queen Victoria's carriage) she visited her "loyal subjects". Highlights included tea with the captain of HMS Warrior. "HMS Warrior 1860 was launched during a period of uneasy peace between Britain and her traditional enemy, France. During her heyday she was the most formidable warship the world has ever seen. Today she looks just as she did at the time of her first commission (1861 - 1864). She can also be seen on TV this week in a special recorded by ITV in which Helen is interviewed about the event. Helen also directed a number of short plays which were performed on many stages around the event. These included Alice in Wonderland and The Nutty Professors plus many others.

Helen can be seen on stage from 19th December until 6th January   in the role of The Fairy Godmother in Peterborough's Cinderella. This star studded Hammond Production is promising to be a very exciting pantomine with stars from programmes such as Grange Hill and Tracey Beaker. It has recieved fantastic reviews and sold out many performances. Read The Stage's review at http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/15451/cinderella

Both Happy Days and A Midsummer Nightmare will soon be completed. See   http://newmedia.ndtc.org/wayne/video_films.html   to view them for free.

November 2006

Helen's film short film "A Midsummer Nightmare", based on the characters of Titania and Oberon has now wrapped. Helen Oakleigh is the lead Titania with Richard Stride in the role of Oberon. Lots of CGI in this modern setting take on the classic tale.

Helen has directed the short film "Happy Days" based around a Caribbean guy and his wife. The film is currently in pre-production.

Helen is directing a number of short plays to be included as part of The Festival of Christmas 2006. Festival runs in the first week of December where you can also see Helen arriving as Queen Victoria.

Helen has also been co-directing The Groundlings Theatre Drama School's Christmas production to be performed at The New Theatre Royal this coming December.

October 2006

Helen has just been cast as The Fairy Godmother and is co-drector for Peterborough's star-studded production of Cinderella. Opens Tue 19th December 2006 until 6th January 2007. With a colourful cast of characters that also includes the beautiful Casey Barnfield from Grange Hill as Dandini, and Ian Jones back by popular demand as Buttons, also with Ben Hanson from The Tracey Beaker Show, Cinderella promises to be a show packed with excitement glamour glitz and spectacle. Definitely a show not to be missed. Ticket prices start from only £8.75 and are on sale now. For more information please contact The Cresset Box Office on 01733 265705 to book or visit http://www.cresset.co.uk/

Helen has just been cast as Queen Victoria as part of the Festival of Christmas 2006 at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. More details to follow.

Helen was seen in the hit comedy "Stepping Out" on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th October 2006 in the beautiful Kings Theatre, Southsea. Playing to nearly 1000 audience. In the hype surrounding the play Helen has been interviewed by a number of radio stations. On 19th October Helen was interviewed by Martyn Lee for Tim Butchers Drive Time show on Original FM, other guests included Amy Winehouse and Jim Davidson. You can hear her on a number of other stations over the weekend and on BBC Southern Counties Radio this coming Monday between 1pm and 2.30pm. Other interviews included Angel FM and newspapers.

Helen will be performing in a couple of childrens plays later this month for the Groundlings Theatre Company.

Helen has been continuing studying the part time "Video Production" course.

September 2006

Helen has been cast in the role of Sylvia in the award winning comedy "Stepping Out". The tap dancing show is on at The Kings Theatre, Southsea   on October 23rd and 24th at 7.30pm. To book tickets call 023 9282 8282

Helen has begun a course in Video Production at Nottingdale Technology College.

Following the summer open air tour The South Theatre Awards, sponsored by The News have nominated "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in which Helen played Titania and Hippolyta as "Best Professional Production 2006". To vote visit www.thenews.co.uk

It has been announced that the premier of "Screaming Blue Murder" in which Helen has a small acting role will be in Central London on 7th October. Invitation only screening. More screenings will follow- as will details.http://www.screamingbluemurder.co.uk/

Explode Part 3, in which Helen has a lead role, was released on 1st September. To purchase visit http://www.fantomfilms.co.uk/ http://www.helenoakleigh.com/USERIMAGES/ExplodePinkwow.JPG

August 2006

Helen returned to working behind the scenes of Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix following her return from the open air tour.

Screening of "Gasoline Blood" Official Fright Fest Selection for Best Film. Odeon cinema West End, London,   Friday 25th August 2006.

"The Magician's Nephew", the first in the Narnian Chronicles will open at Winchester Cathedral on Sun 6th at 6.30pm.   Helen is playing the Queen Jardis aka White Witch. Plays until end Aug at various castles and stately homes- check shopping cart page for more details.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Wiliam Shakespeare opens on Tues 8th at 7.30pm at Winchester Cathedral.   Helen is playing Titania and Hippolyta. Lots of fairy magic and naughtiness! Plays until end Aug at various castles and stately homes- check shopping cart page for more details.

"The Tempest" directed by Helen Oakleigh. Opens at Avington Park House, near Winchester on Wed 9th at 7.30pm. Tour continues across south coast til end of August. Please see shopping cart for more details doors open one hour before show commences for picnics.

Tickets go on sale 11am 1st August for film premier of "Gasoline Blood" at Odeon Cnema, Leicester Square, London. Individual screening is £11 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased the cinema or online at www.odeon.com. See shopping cart for more details.

July 2006

Rehearsals have commenced for A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Magician's Nephew. Open Air tour through August, see shopping cart to book tickets on 023 9273 7370.

Rehearsals have commenced for The Tempest, directed by Helen Oakleigh. Rehearsal space was kindly donated by The Old Vic Theatre, London and The Old Red Lion Theatre, London. Many Thanks. See shopping tickets to book tickets on 023 9273 7370.

Tickets went on sale for Frightfest passes only.   Individual tickets for films will go on sale the morning of August 1st. See shopping cart for more details.

Cinderella was performed by students of Dramarama Drama School at Hillel, Southgate, London. Directed by Helen Oakleigh.

June 2006

"Gasoline Blood" has been announced as a finalist for Frightfest Film Festival. Helen played the lead actress in this short zombie horror film, filmed in Nottingham earlier in the year. Screening at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London on Friday 25th August.   A pass for the festival will be £140 and £11 for individual tickets. To find out more visit the website at,   www.frightfest.co.uk/

Helen is directing The Tempest. An open air tour to castles and stately homes across the south coast throughout August. Helen is also playing Titania & Hippolyta   in A Midsummer Nights Dream and playing the White Witch in The Magicians Nephew. See http://www.groundlings.co.uk/ for more details. Tickets available from 023 9273 7370.

Helen has been busy with rehearsals and dress rehearsals of "Drawn Together" for Dramarama Theatre School. Performed in Potters Bar on June 17th- 18th June   2006. With amazing costumes, music and of course cast and crew! The show is raising money for the Anthony Nolan charity in memory of an ex pupil who recently passed away aged 16 years.

Helen is directing Cinderella for end of year presentation by students at Southgate branch of Dramarama Theatre School. Performs July 2006.

May 2006

Helen continues directing "Drawn Together". To be performed in June 2006 in Potters Bar. This drama school production has a huge cast with approx 20 different actors in each scene and over 100 actors in the play. It tells the tale of a close friend who leaves school suddenly- to move to Austrailia! She leaves her best mates (who are twins) a birthday present for the next day... but things are not as they seem! Go to "Shopping Cart" page for details of how to purchase tickets.

Helen directed "Becoming Daughters" at The Old Red Lion Theatre, London. Playing to sell out audiences (selling out way in advance this time!) this play tells the story of Imogen and Jemma, two foster daughters who find out a real daughter is coming home. View stills from the production on Directing page.

Helen filmed Zombie horror film "Gasoline Blood" (working title). In this film she goes to an isolated warehouse with her boyfriend and her brother   to help her brother shoot his new film. Its not long her boyfriend is killed before her very eyes and her brother gets injured... Film is currently in post-production. Details of screenings to follow soon.

Helen continued working on   "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". The fifth in the series.

Helen filmed "Screaming Blue Murder". Feature film, Helen has small role of auditioning for the lead actor when he is searching for his next leading lady in the film within the film! More info can be found on, http://www.screamingbluemurder.com/

Explode: Chapter Two "Into The Fold" released May 1st 2006. A selection of stills from the sci-fi can be found on Gallery page. To buy a copy of the DVD please visit http://www.fantomfilms.co.uk/

April 2006

Helen can be seen in Premier of "Explode: Part Two. Into The Fold". On 23rd April. This is a private screening- public release due very soon. More info can be found on Fantom Films Website- link found below under March 2006.

Helen worked as chaperone for children on set of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Huge number of great British actors in the scenes such as Dame Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson to name just a few.

Helen is modelling for a website on 20th April. They are campaigning for equal rights throughout Europe. The project is a photographic commission from Ilga Europe. More details to follow (and copies of photos!)

Later this month Helen will complete filming on horror film to soon be seen at IMAX cinema, Waterloo, London. Filming commenced last month with Helen being abducted by a serial killer, played by Damian Kearney. (Who will soon be seen in the next   Ken Loach feature "The Wind That Shakes The Barley"- which just won best film at Cannes Film Festival May 2006). Dates of screening to follow soon.

Over Easter Helen can be seen as the lead role in "Wind in the Willows" in Tunbridge Wells. Performances Easter Sunday 16th and Easter Monday 17th.

Helen performed in and directed "F***Art" at The Old Red Lion, Angel. Highly popular performance with potential audience being turned away due to selling out! Described as "an A- Z of male sexual fantasy". Helen played the role of the Saatchi art buyer who ends up sleeping with the artist!

Helen filmed   horror film- "Alone?". More details to follow.

Helen worked   as Stage Manager on the spectacular   "Bugsy Malone" at the Kings Theatre, Southsea. With a cast of 72 and stunning set which includes a fleet of cars and two storey revolving set!   Ran until 8th April. Last production of Bugsy Helen worked on as SM was "Voted best show of 2002 by The News". This year even better reviews recieved- again quoting the production as "highly ambitious".

March 2006

"Explode" news. Helen has just recorded   the audio commentary for the DVD.   Commentary by Jackie Clark (writer and producer), Dextor O'Neill (director) and Helen Oakleigh (actress). Clip from this can be heard on website, http://www.fantomfilms.co.uk/production/explode_minisite/chaptertwo.htm   and by clicking on "trailors and clips" and then "into the fold commentary".   Release dates to be confirmed very soon. Copies are available to purchase in advance. To guarantee a copy see the shopping cart page.

"F**k Art" News. Rehearsals commenced at The National Theatre, for this brand new production to be performed at "The Old Red Lion". About the show- Sex, Art and Commerce. Which is the dirtiest business? F**k Art is a provocative exploration of the psychological and symbiotic relationship between all three, combining juvenile behaviour and intellectual commentary to dramatic and hilarious effect.   Adult only performance due to full frontal nudity and foul language. 9th- 10th April 2006.             UPDATE- Due to cast illness Helen Oakleigh is now also playing the lead female role- Nadia, art dealer for Saatchi Gallery. We all wish Claire Farrington a speedy recovery.

Filming news- Helen has been cast in two seperate   horror films. More details to be added very soon.

"Penelope" news. Feature film close to wrapping. Helen has finished working on this film now with OSCAR and BAFTA winner Reese Witherspoon. Congratulations to Reese!

Documentary news. Channel four have commissioned "Easy Tiger Productions" to make a documentary entitled "The Struggling Actor". Helen was invited into the studios to record a short piece for inclusion. Documentary to appear on Channel Four shortly- check back here to find out dates or alternatively the Channel Four website- http://www.channel4.com/listings/C4/index.jsp

Music Video 1824 launched in top Mayfair venue. Poster and radio campaign blizted Londons tube, buses and airways! Caption "The biggest unsigned band in the UK". Also seen on many music channels.

Febuary 2006.

"Explode" news. Release date of part two is now expected to be   April 2006. Check back here for more details. Helen plays the lead   18 year old   girl who gets abducted for her special powers! Part two opens with her arguing with her boyfriend played by Chris Rankin (best known for his role in Harry Potter). The heated argument ends with his death... watch the sci-fi thriller to find out more!

Helen is currently directing two plays. See directing page for more details.

Helen has been tutoring and chaperoning the lead children in new feature film "Penelope". Starring Christina Ricci, Reese Witherspoon and Richard E. Grant. Filming continues...

Hip hop video "5 million strong", 1824 collective. Helen rehearsed and filmed at Pinewood Film Studios, UK. Featuring different MC's/ rappers this single is aimed at getting   18- 24 year olds   to vote. A word from 1824 collective,
"If you are aged between 18-24, you are a member of one of the most influential groups in the UK. But right now one in four of us have no voice because we do not vote. That means we can't change things. There are 5 million of us across the country. If we all vote our voice cannot be ignored. Join the 1824 Collective artists. Our strength is as a group. Register to vote. The 1824 Collective are: vocalists - Anushka, Ash, Alex Holland, JXXX and Angel J; MCs - L-Man, Corrisse, Baraka, LST, Lavish, Baby Chan, J2K and Haze, along with Beatbox -   Lian Hart.

Play reading at "The Old Red Lion". Helen read the role of Meg in new play "Perfection" by Mark Lindow.   The play will be performed later this year as part of the "Theatre Festival".