Michelle Payne
Michelle Payne
Director & Writer
she/her
Michelle Payne is a writer and director from Essex with a passion for creating work for & about working class people, 13-25 y/os and breaking the "Essex Girl" stereotype.
Michelle's most recent work has been developed & supported with Theatre Peckham, ALP & Aria Entertainment, PPA, Donmar Warehouse, Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. and Havering Changing.
"Payne’s writing is in its beautiful simplicity, razor sharp wit and hilarious observational humour."
- London Theatre 1
SHOWS
Michelle has been writing & directing since 2014
Squad Goals received multiple 4 & 5 star reviews & features from national & theatre press before becoming a published playtext with Salamander Street in 2021.
Payne & webb
Musical Theatre Duo Michelle Payne & Craig Webb
Payne & Webb's first musical Enthusiastically, Yes was showcased as part of the Chamber musical sessions at The Garrick Theatre, west end
NEWS
Michelle is currently associate director to Laura Keefe on HEADCASE by Kristin Mcilquham (the Bush Theatre as part of Essex on Stage)
Michelle is currently Directing Childish Things by Bryan Danielson at London College of Music for the BA Acting & Theatre Making third year students this Spring.
To Have & To Hold by Michelle Payne was part of Essex On Stage at The Bush Theatre and at Mercury Theatre Colchester.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
THE LET AWARD - Finalist (M@n Enuff - Michelle Payne & Emy P)
2022
VAULT 5 - Long List (Michelle Payne, Theatre-Maker)
2021
Adam Lenson Productions & Aria Entertainment Chamber Musical Competition - Long List (Enthusiastically, Yes by Payne & Webb)
2021
THE OFFIES - ONCOMM for Digital Theatre (Jess by Stephanie Silver) Director
2021
Mercury Monologues w/ Josef Weinberger - Winner (Memory Box by Michelle Payne)
2020
The Mono Box Play Start - Long List (Well-Groomed by Michelle Payne)
2020
RTYDS 3 Month Placement (Mercury Theatre Colchester)
2019
Things Made Public, Brewery Fringe, Romford - Best in Fringe - Winner (Full Circle by Michelle Payne)
2018
Moors Theatre - Best New Writing & Best Actress: Michelle Payne - winner | Best Theatre Company - Nominated (Orchid by Michelle Payne & Daniel Len)
2015