Richard Bland
Theatre Director
Two performers holding the cardboard doll representing their toddler son in Lightstreams

Lightstreams

Mary Mazzilli · England tour, 2026

Photography: Sally Parkinson
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Imagination.
Emotional depth.
Room for surprise.

I’m drawn to work that feels alive to the world around us—whether that means helping a new play find its theatrical life or discovering what a familiar text can reveal afresh.

Selected work
Two performers facing each other across the room in Lightstreams

Lightstreams

Director · Mary Mazzilli · 2026

Poetic language, everyday human detail, and a cardboard world developed through close collaboration.

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Selected work & credits

Forthcoming · 2026

The Picture of
Dorian Gray

A new musical

Book, music & lyrics by Olly Medlicott
Directed by Richard Bland

Mercury Studio, Colchester
30 October–7 November 2026

The Picture of Dorian Gray campaign artwork: a red-lit face within an ornate frame

Gothic atmosphere meets gritty realism, with the people left in Dorian’s wake given as much attention as Dorian himself.

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About Richard
Richard Bland smiling outdoors, wearing a green cap

Creative risks.
Shared discoveries.

I build rehearsal rooms where actors feel safe to be vulnerable and have a real voice in shaping the work. Through positivity, humour and play, we take creative risks and discover what we can achieve together.

Portrait: Brad Wendes

About Richard
Practice

Dramaturgy

Developing scripts and supporting new writing.

Acting coaching

Text, character and audition preparation.

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Experience & development

Training & community

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School · Guildford School of Acting
Mercury Theatre Directors Programme · Founder of Stage Craft @

Background & approach ↗

Across plays, forms and generations

New writing, classic texts, physical comedy and work with emerging artists.

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