About Jane

From Stage to Ceremony: A Life of Storytelling

My journey to celebrancy has been somewhat unconventional – rather like some of the ceremonies I create. My life has been full and lively, with each chapter adding new colours to the tapestry of experiences from which I can draw and bring to your special day.

The Theatrical Years

I began with a fairly typical academic path – studying English Language and Literature for my Bachelor's degree, then Theatre Studies for my Master's. But then things went a little back to front: I secured my Equity card and started working as a professional actor before heading to Drama School for three years of intensive training in Drama and Musical Theatre in North London.

My acting background is predominantly in theatre-in-education, touring theatre, and puppetry. I have performed promenade plays, tried my hand at clog dancing, brought Victorian music hall to life, and even recreated Victorian school rooms at Wigan Pier Museum. These years taught me how to connect with audiences, how to tell stories that captivate, and how to bring characters to life – skills that prove invaluable when crafting and delivering ceremonies today.

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The Teaching Chapter

I trained at the Institute of Education in London, specialising in Primary teaching. I loved being a teacher for 25 busy and ever-changing years. During this time, I also became a mother to three amazing children, somehow managing to balance the beautiful chaos of family life with my drive for planning and delivering good quality education.

Teaching taught me how to listen, really listen, to others’ stories, ideas and visions. How to support people through important moments, how to bring out the best in them and help them shine. These skills of sharing, listening, and supporting have become the foundation for everything I do as a celebrant.

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The Seed of an Idea

Twenty-two years ago, I booked a celebrant to create a beautiful naming ceremony for my first child, Seth. It was a heartwarming and joyful gathering in our local community hall, filled with meaningful music and significant poetry readings, surrounded by friends and family. That day planted a seed in my head: "Perhaps this is something I would love to do..."

That seed lay dormant through years of teaching, parenting, and pursuing my other loves – singing, dancing, gardening, and cycling. But it never disappeared. It germinated, grew, and eventually flourished into the calling I pursue today.

My Philosophy

I come to celebrancy with a deep belief in human connection. In storytelling, relationship building, and sharing the things that matter to you – no matter how great or small. The ceremonies I craft show empathy, love, and a sense of sharing. Sharing wonder, joy, grief, elation... all the complexities that humans can experience.

I embrace celebrancy with an open mind and aim to foster a sense of freedom for you to express whatever you want to experience and share with those around you. Whether that's a traditional religious ceremony or a pantomime-themed farewell, a silent disco celebration or a dress-as-you-know-them memorial – I will support you as a pillar of calm and steady presence: offering ideas, suggestions and a solid listening ear, all the way.

My Style

My ceremony style is warm, joyful, and fun. I love to include some irreverent or quirky touches, if you would like them, to keep things lively and lift spirits. I weave traditional elements with the curious and whimsical, and sometimes add a touch of delightful surprise.

My approach reflects an ability to be both warm yet respectful, fun yet thoughtful, natural yet significant. I dwell on the people - the human connection – and our sense of inner being, of reflecting who we are and how we fit in with the lives of others around us.

Recent Recognition

meaningful

I admired your passion for storytelling and your commitment to creating a meaningful narrative in your script.

Happy Couple

Weddings

beautifully detailed and deeply respectful

I felt you had written a beautifully detailed and deeply respectful tribute that paints a complete picture of life and legacy, conveyed with grace and heartfelt storytelling along with the ability to hold attention with warmth and authenticity.

Grateful Family

Celebration of Life

Today

Now I bring all these experiences together in my work as a celebrant. It is an honour and privilege to be part of your important day, and I will go above and beyond to make it memorable. Whatever your background, I will be an attentive, kind and empathetic ear to your wishes and ideas. I am here for you.

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