Denholm Spurr

He/Him.

I'm a freelance Director/Producer based in London. As an ex-homeless gay man, I am passionate about creating work that explores themes of the underrepresented and oppressed. My work aims to create fireworks about issues, handled with care, that lead to beautiful visual displays.

My work has been shown internationally and nominated several awards including Off West End Awards, Standing Ovation Award (London Pub Theatres), Show of the Year (QX Magazine), and named by the Evening Standard as the "Best Event in London".

I have served on the judging panel for the Olivier Awards and the Off West End Awards (in years I was not nominated personally), and also produced the award ceremony for the Offies between 2014-2018.

I'm keen to develop new collaborations with fellow artists so please drop me a message.

★★★ REVIEWS ★★★

HAPPILY EVER POOFTER

“Key to the show’s improvement is the contribution of Watkins' co-producer and director, Denholm Spurr. Spurr’s eyes and ears have continually honed the material into ever sleeker, slicker shape: the style here is very much stand-up cabaret... within a
narrative context. He balances the two strands of artistry with nimble skill, never losing track of either”
- British Theatre

"Impeccable directional skills by Denholm Spurr, the show brought a colorful mix of drag, dance, and a whole lot of references to Disney, which shaped up to be quite the versatile show that demands a watch"
- Weekend Notes Adelaide

"It’s out and proud, and loudly unapologetic. Deft direction from Denholm Spurr and camp-tastic choreography from Simone Murphy add up to make a real treat to warm our rainbow hearts."
- Gay Times

"Denholm Spurr’s direction, coupled with Simone Murphy’s choreography, ensure the silliness remains throughout,"
- The Spy In The Stalls

"Director Denholm Spurr has clearly maintained a firm hand on the production which enjoys tremendous pace, vitality and intelligence even when in the depth of some of the most brilliant absurd and, at times, awkward comedy."
- The Review Chap

"a clear sense of brevity by director/producer Denholm Spurr, the cheers of joy and the immediate clap-a-longs were instinctive and automatic "
- Boyz Magazine

UNDER THE BLUE SKY

“The small points added to this production. What at first seems like an ultra-low budget set is soon revealed to be purposeful, with plastic made flowers that a school-child would make, and ‘Booze’ scrawled in immature handwriting across a flask – you’re left in no doubt as to the main message here.”
LONDONTHEATRE1 (Under The Blue Sky | 2020)

Credits

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, The Beast of Blue Yonder, Southwark Playhouse, 6 weeks (closed due to Covid-19), 2020

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, Happily Ever Poofter, King's Head Theatre/The Space Triplex/International Tour, 1 Year, 2019-2020 [Nominated: BEST NEW MUSICAL (Offies), STANDING OVATION AWARD]

DRAMATURG, The 49, TheatreN16, 2017

DIRECTOR, Mercy Killing, Stockwell Playhouse, 1 week, 2016

DIRECTOR, Positive, Theatre Royal Stratford East, 1 week, 2015

DIRECTOR, Under The Blue Sky, Drayton Arms Theatre, 1 week, 2015

DIRECTOR'S UNDERSTUDY - Rikki Beadle Blair MBE, Shalom Baby, Theatre Royal Stratford East, 2011

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, Miss Julie, Harbinger Theatre Exeter, 1 week, 2009

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER, Our Father/Pater Noster, St Nicholas' Priory Exeter, 1 week, 2008

Training

‘Distinction’ Nat Cert Acting: Oxford School of Drama, 2012

'1:1' BA (Hons.) Drama with Spanish: University of Exeter, 2010
- Modules included: Site-Specifc Performance, Culture & Politics, Dramaturgy/Scriptwriting,

'ABCC' A Level Media, English Language, Classics, Philosophy: Wilson's School, 2007