Our
People
Charlotte Hirst
Founder & Artistic Director
Charlie’s earliest memory of performing is anxiously shoving biscuits into the mouth of the village dog while singing “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” during her debut as Annie at age nine. (The dog was hungry and had discovered the stash in her costume pocket.)
Much has changed since the days of that effervescent ginger wig, but a lifelong love of the performing arts has remained a constant.
After training at Mountview, Charlie went on to establish and run a successful performing arts company for children, PQA Richmond, which continues to thrive. She was fortunate to be personally mentored by Dame Elaine Paige OBE and became a funded playwright, creating new multimedia work that provided audiences with an experience of what it might feel like to have certain mental health conditions to evoke empathy. This led her to retrain in mental health and coaching (Oxford, Regent’s, Glasgow) before having her little boy.
Charlie has spoken on major platforms such as Sky News and BBC Radio, with performance credits on Sky Arts and the West End.
Tumble Dog is a full-circle moment, bringing both worlds together for the benefit of young people in her much-loved home of rural Suffolk, where she lives with her family and, of course, the real-life Tumble Dog.
Matthew Hirst
Co-founder & Creative Director
Matt began his artistic career at age eight, charging the local publicans 20p for portraits.
Since then, he’s expanded his creative toolkit considerably. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in European Theatre Arts from Rose Bruford, Matt went on to work as a multimedia artist with clients including Netflix, the National Theatre, and the Barbican.
For the past decade, he’s also taught Film & TV to young people aged 6–18, helping the next generation of filmmakers find their voice. His students have gone on to work on blockbusters like Peter Pan and Star Wars (though he still brags more about the time they made a zombie movie in the local school hall).
Now living in rural Suffolk, Matt spends his spare time chasing light (and his son) through fields with a camera. His photography book, Waiting for the Tide, captures the quiet beauty of the Woodbridge coastline.
Emily Watt
Non Executive Director
Emily is the Principal of PQA Ipswich, where she’s been nurturing young performers between the ages of 4-18 since 2015. She trained in professional musical theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts after growing up immersed in Ipswich’s vibrant theatre scene. A proud mum of three and an advocate for inclusive, empowering spaces, Emily brings lived experience of dyslexia and a deep understanding of children’s creative learning.
Stephen Watt
Non Executive Director
Stephen has been singing and dancing since the age of three, when he charmed his neighbours with impromptu doorstep performances. With over 25 years in theatre, he’s performed across the UK and Ireland and brings rich experience both on stage and as a director.
Stephen is the Vice Principal of PQA Ipswich, a performing arts school for children, and currently works as a Commissioning Manager for Essex County Council, leading services for physical disabilities, sensory impairments and personalisation.
With a first-class MA in Economics, qualifications in coaching and mentoring, and a deep belief in the power of theatre to transform lives, Stephen brings strategic insight and creative heart to the Tumble Dog team.
Catherine Bensley
Non-Executive Director
Cat is a Suffolk-raised writer, singer, casting assistant and proud mum of two toddlers. She holds an MA in Musical Theatre from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has worked with top UK casting directors including Lucy Bevan, Sarah Crowe and Amy Jackson. She brings a brilliant eye for talent and story to the Tumble Dog team. Her original musical ‘Chronic’ debuted at the Tristan Bates Theatre before transferring to the Southwark Playhouse.
Anne Mosley
Therapeutic Consultant
Anne’s love affair with storytelling began early, cast as a self-conscious five-year-old frog in the school play. It reached a dramatic turning point when, some years later, she was sacked from the role of Archangel Gabriel after throwing a tantrum during nativity rehearsals.
After this theatrical low point, it was perhaps inevitable that Anne would go on to train as a drama therapist. She went on to work fluidly between children’s and community theatre, eventually running her own theatre company for seven years.
Her experiences of working cross-culturally in community theatre sparked a new chapter, leading Anne to retrain as an English language teacher. She then split her time between corporate clients and supporting international development and refugee organisations.
Today, Anne supports individuals and groups facing challenge and change, blending creative play with reflective practice to help them craft meaningful, tailor-made responses to the issues they face.
www.annemosley.com
Hatty Ashton
Lead Actor, Devisor and Facilitator
Hatty is a multidisciplinary creative, performer and facilitator based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. She trained as an actor at RADA and as a clown at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, and has spent over a decade creating bold, heart-led work across theatre, community projects and education. From clowning in hospitals to writing children’s books, Hatty’s work always centres on connection, imagination and impact.
hattyashton.com
Jub-Jub Tumble Dog
Real Life Tumble Dog
We have a lot to thank our little adventure dog for.
Jub-Jub was the spark behind a bedtime story created for our son that grew into the inspiration for our company.
He might be small, but he’s brave, loyal, and always there for his family. You can read about his adventures in our book series or watch them come to life on stage in our adapted performances.
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Children, Trusted by Teachers.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
Tumble Dog’s approach aligns closely with our values and the needs of our pupils. The chance for students to engage in imaginative work that builds confidence, encourages emotional expression and supports creative thinking would be a valuable addition to our curriculum…
— J. Gooch., Suffolk Teacher
“
As a Headteacher, I recognise the growing need for creative, accessible approaches to support children’s emotional well-being. With increasing pressure on both arts and mental health provision in schools, initiatives like Tumble Dog provide an important link. They bring the pillars of mental wellbeing into the classroom through storytelling, multimedia and puppetry, while also offering opportunities for students to showcase their work and collaborate with the wider community..
— S.J. Tapley., Suffolk Headteacher
“
“My daughter now recites the book to me word for word every morning when she wakes up. As a family, we can’t wait to see the show!"
— S Green., Suffolk Parent
“
“Tumble dog shows are innately inclusive…”
