Gina Gardiner & Friends with Chris Grimes

My all time comic hero is Stan Laurel. He was the 1st comedian, comic actor and 'vaudevillian' that really made me laugh. I was 7 years old and living in Uganda at the time and I've been grateful to Stan Laurel for his positive influence ever since. As my inspiration, compass and as a general 'style guide' to everything I do, Stan Laurel reminds me to keep it funny and engaging - to keep it clear and accessible - and above all else - to keep it kind, underpinned by generosity, humility and warmth. BACKGROUND I trained initially as a Drama Teacher at the Central School of Speech & Drama in London, before going on to do the 2 Year Postgraduate Acting course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, from where I was awarded the Peter Akerman Prize for Comedy. Since 1988 I have pursued a portfolio career combining all of the transferable skills of being an actor, teacher, trainer, comedy improvisation performer & coach and applied them to my proposition, as to who I am and what I do. I draw on all of my performance disciplines to inform what has been described as my "unique and powerful approach" to communication skills training and coaching. ACTOR & VOICEOVER Since 1988 I have worked extensively in theatre, radio, television, short films & voiceovers. I have a particular passion for Comedy Improvisation. I am Artistic Director of the highly acclaimed Comedy Improvisation & Corporate Entertainment company, Instant Wit. Website: https://www.chrisgrimes.uk