07/06/2026
This is a much needed shout out to the incredible Paul Spence! Firstly, last night’s theatre experience was absolutely magical! Our premiere of “Murder She Wrote” at Forty.One Restaurant was another level of brilliance by Paul who wrote, directed and performed in it - along with Kath McClelland, Axl Forder and Jenna Hornby - AKA Kath&Crew.
Let’s pause here because people don’t always see what Paul does for Kath&Crew. We do music tributes, children’s theatre, murder mysteries, theatre pieces. We’re a weird and wonderful mix. That diversity isn’t an accident. It’s Paul’s mastermind. He’s the reason our group brings together singers, actors, musicians, dancers, kids, grown-ups, total newbies and seasoned pros. Let’s remember how he brought theatre/music/audiences together again after the starvation of the pandemic. His ideas. His creativity. His hunger for connection through performance.
What audiences see is the finished product. What they don’t always see are the hours of writing, directing, planning, mentoring, negotiating, that make it all possible.
What some people don’t know, is that Paul was spotted in Durban, as a young guy and taken to theatre school in London, after which he worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He travelled the UK and Europe as an actor and director for around 20 years. His experience is immeasurable.
On a personal note, I owe much of my success to Paul. I sing. I act. I do admin. But Paul creates, designs and executes these shows. I am hugely grateful to him. And I am not alone. Paul has given opportunities to so many people (even ones who may have forgotten) and he keeps going despite obstacles and challenges. It’s easy to take people for granted in this business. So this is to say thank you Paul, we see you, we appreciate you and we know what we have in you. Your talent is our strength. Your support is our success.
And a last little thing… if you’ve been to our shows you’ll know that Paul celebrates each and every one of us. He praises us individually at the end of each show and barely gives himself any credit. The truth is, none of us would be on that stage if it wasn’t for him.
