My journey with Thameslink began in January 2016, stepping into the role of Rail Enforcement Team Leader. It was a job that resonated with my experience in the police, involving daily patrols across stations and trains to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as being a point of support for staff, ensuring their personal safety.
It was a fulfilling role, but when the Station Manager position at London Blackfriars became available, a new curiosity sparked within me. I saw it as an opportunity to broaden my railway knowledge and I’ve now been managing one of the busiest stations on the network since 2020.
Growing up in Norfolk, it was a dream of mine to live and work in London. So, when I secured the role at London Blackfriars and finally made the move to the capital, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. I remember thinking: “Wow! I did it, I actually did what I set out to do. I live in central London!” It was a dream come true.
"I thought to myself, if just watching this gives me such a high, imagine the feeling of being up on the stage"
When I’m not at work, my biggest passion is acting. My journey began in 2018 when I joined an Amateur Dramatics (AmDram) group at the Luton Library Theatre. At the time, my Thameslink shifts were from 6 am until 1 pm, leaving me with a void in the afternoons. One day, my wife, with her characteristic insight, told me: "You need to get a hobby!" You know what? She was right. I explored a few local options, and when I stumbled upon the AmDram group, I thought, "I'll give that a go."
But really, it all started way before 2018. Acting and performing have always been special to me. Ever since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the magic of drama, and my ultimate dream was to be in Eastenders.
My love of theatre truly ignited during a school trip to see Grease when I was 12. The energy of the live performance, the staging, the sets, and the captivating actors left me literally speechless. And I mean literally - I remember losing my voice from singing along so enthusiastically. That experience gave me such a high, and I thought to myself, if just watching this gives me such a high, imagine the feeling of being up on the stage. It was a pivotal moment that led me to pursue drama at GCSE and later a degree in Media Production.
"When you deliver a line and the whole audience erupts into laughter, that feeling is like nothing else"
Back to 2018. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I attended an open night with the AmDram group. I was immediately struck by the warmth and friendliness of everyone I met. Their show that year was Annie, so I went to an audition. It involved both singing and acting, and I have to admit, nerves were definitely a factor, especially since I didn’t know anyone. I was offered a smaller role along with some ensemble parts.
The first rehearsal was a daunting experience. Surrounded by confident voices, a thought crossed my mind: “Oh, I’ve made a big mistake.” But thankfully, it turned out to be fine. In fact, one of the instructions for my character was to “sing badly” which, with a wry smile, I thought summed me up perfectly.
Since that first production of Annie, I’ve performed in cabarets, musicals and even found myself “murdered” in a murder mystery production (bit rude if you ask me). One of my most cherished performances was in a tap-dancing play called Stepping Out. It’s a heartwarming story about a group of women who go to a weekly tap dancing class, which all builds up to a grand show at the end. As someone who couldn’t tap dance to save their life, learning the routines was so much fun. It also brought a wonderful group of new people into my life, and I’m still friends with them now. More recently, I had a small role in Calendar Girls - a fully dressed one, I should add!
Show week is undeniably a whirlwind of stress and excitement, but I love it. It’s an incredible way to make friends, and I’m now fortunate to have a wonderful circle of people close to me through AmDram. It’s also a form of escapism, and a brilliant way to focus the mind.
I have a particular fondness for comedy acting, which is immense fun. I even received a nomination for Best Comedy Performance for a production called Outside Edge. When you deliver a line and the whole audience erupts into laughter, that feeling is like nothing else.
Outside of work, I’m a frequent user of the Thameslink network, which connects me to so many of my favourite places. One of the most important destinations for me is Elstree & Borehamwood, where Eastenders is filmed. I’ve always been a devoted fan of soaps, and Eastenders has always held a special place in my heart. It’s like a comforting presence, always there, a familiar world you can tune into. Interestingly, The Chase is also filmed there, and the thought of bumping into Anne Heggarty is definitely exciting!
Another key destination on the Thameslink line for me is Wembley, which is easily accessible from Luton via West Hampstead. I’m a Manchester United supporter, a loyalty inherited from my wife. We’ve shared lots of memorable moments at games together, and we particularly enjoy watching the women’s team. We also had the unforgettable experience of seeing Adele perform at Wembley in 2018, which was simply amazing. It’s such a vibrant area with a fantastic shopping centre and plenty to explore.
AmDram has become an integral part of my life. The sheer exhilaration you feel after a performance is unlike anything else, and the sense of camaraderie within the group is so special. I’m incredibly fortunate to work for Thameslink, where my colleagues support me in my acting. My boss, who lives in south London, even made the journey to Luton to watch me perform, and lots of colleagues have come to show their support. It’s a testament to the wonderful community I’m a part of, both on and off the stage.