Richard Marquiss

Richard started performing from the age of 12 in his home town of Lancashire, gaining a scholarship to attend the Millington’s Dance Academy. At the age of 20, Richard swapped the northern air for the big smoke to train further.

Since graduating from Richmond Drama School in 2008, Richard has performed in many UK touring theatre shows including pantomimes, classical literature and family stage shows. He has appeared in music videos and has been fortunate enough to play the leading role of the Old Lady in the national theatre tour of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Richard has also featured in commercials for The London Dungeons, McDonald’s and many more. When he’s not acting, Richard loves nothing more than passing his knowledge on to fellow aspiring little actors. Being a drama teacher is extremely rewarding and fulfilling, and he couldn't think of having a better job.

Back in 2013, Richard decided it was time to take a break from the industry to set up and run the Holiday Camps, along with our sister company, Candice Conway Theatre School. It was definitely the best decision, as he loves nothing more than helping children chase their dreams.

In April 2013, Candice and Richard had a crazy idea to start a summer camp – but not just any ordinary camp! A camp where the leaders would have just as much fun as the children, because a happy environment where everyone is having fun is a great place to be. It was a chance for the children to experience fun activities that many other camps didn’t offer. Candice has an abundance of experience working for many camps over the years and felt they lacked the personal touch. This is why we pride ourselves on staying in touch with parents and giving them that little bit more. The camp took off with such a bang that we are still here many years later!

In April 2016, Candice Conway Theatre Camps became officially registered as an Ofsted-registered childcare service. July 2018 saw our first Ofsted inspection, gaining us an “OUTSTANDING” in ALL areas. We were totally blown away and, to this day, continue to strive to improve by going above and beyond in our duty of care.

We owe our thanks to our very own holiday camp parents, who in 2014 encouraged us to open as a school and run weekly musical theatre classes. From this, the Candice Conway Theatre School was born. When Candice and Richard opened their theatre school in September 2014, it was their dream to teach, encourage, and inspire young children from all social backgrounds. In a short period of time, we have grown from just a handful of pupils to over 400 children — and we are still growing! We now offer workshop opportunities in schools and nurseries.

We proudly and actively support the British Heart Foundation, a charity close to our hearts. Through our fundraising activities such as our holiday camps and theatre school shows, the charity has benefitted from our continued support. The British Heart Foundation does tremendous work and needs everyone’s support to help fund vital research and provide the best care possible. You will find various collection boxes in the foyer area, and any donations would be warmly welcomed.

Candice, Richard and the team would just like to thank our loyal holiday camp parents — those returning for another year of fun and those who have shared and spread the word. Your help doesn’t go unnoticed, so thank you from all of us!

Richard is a fully qualified paediatric first aider and safeguarding lead.

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