Karen KIrkup has trained and worked in the theatre for well over 3 decades. She particularly enjoys being involved in all aspects of putting on a production, but is best known for her directing and acting, having acted in or directed over 40 productions ranging from pantomime to Shakespeare. She ran Warp & Weft drama group, giving workshops and weekly drama sessions for ages 5 to 18. Worked in schools with productions written by herself and drama lessons to full classes. OFSTED (outstanding)

Karen’s career has taken many different turns outside of acting including, Nurse, childminder, career adviser, construction worker and dog walker. All of these careers have helped with her ability to act different characters and see situations from different angles, a necessary skill for a director and actor. 

Starting and developing ‘two foolish’ with Chris Brannick has allowed Karen to be part of the process of producing a show from conception, writing, rehearsing, directing, staging, and everything between to the final production which she finds very satisfying and creative. 

Watching ‘two foolish’ change and develop over the years to include short films, comedies  and  more serious dramas, all with a message about the passage of life and dealing with the ups and downs of life is one of the delights of being part of this theatre company.