How did it start?

Founded in 2004 by Rob & Sandra Lacey, Lacey Theatre Company initially formed to perform in Rob’s stead, where churches, communities, conferences, book festivals and even TV programmes were queuing up to secure performances from the street bible. Due to his health, Rob was unable to meet all these engagements, and so took on 3 actors, Elin Jeynes, Abby Guinness and Lucy Thampi, to produce a new show, which became known as the street bible Live, and was directed by Steve Stickley of Footprints Theatre Trust.

At first, it wasn’t clear how people would react to unknown actors performing Rob’s work, rather than the man himself, but much to Rob’s surprise (only joking) they were soon singing the company’s praises. “20 years of hard grind and they’ve forgotten about me already!” he said, with a proud smile. This unexpectedly easy transition proved an important indicator of the fact that Rob’s writing stood on its own, and even with other performers, it still had the power to affect, instruct, and enliven audiences on a massive scale.

On an individual level, Rob mentored his actors and invested in them personally. He encouraged them in using their gifts, in living their dreams and reaching their potential. The company went from strength to strength and has now performed to over 70,000 in the UK.

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