Marianne James

Classical Actor | Shakespeare Specialist | Acting Trainer

Marianne is a professionally trained actor whose work spans classical and contemporary theatre, screen and new writing. She trained at Rose Bruford College following a degree in English Literature at the University of Oxford, and her academic grounding continues to inform a rigorous, actor-centred approach to text.

Her professional career has ranged from Shakespeare through to modern classics, new writing and fringe theatre. Selected Shakespeare leads include Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), Cleopatra (Antony and Cleopatra), Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Olivia (Twelfth Night), alongside leads Katurian in McDonagh’s ‘The Pillowman’ and Galileo in Brecht’s ‘Life of Galileo’. She has toured Shakespeare internationally, performed across London’s fringe theatre scene and, through her own theatre company, developed and staged new writing at Riverside Studios. Her screen and interdisciplinary work has also included working with Hollywood film directors, independent film producers and live art installations.

Marianne now trains actors across professional acting programmes and works one-to-one with both auditioning and established professional performers. Her teaching combines detailed text work and technical precision with an open, playful approach; encouraging actors to take risks and trust their instincts.