Thomas Vallely
Theatre and Film Director
Script Editor Dramaturg
About Thomas
I am an award-winning director, script editor and dramaturg.
I did 12 months’ training with renowned director KATIE MITCHELL on her MA Theatre Directing Course at Royal Holloway. I’ve since trained further at Shakespeare’s Globe.
I’ve trained in film directing under Patrick Tucker, Simon Hunter, Simon Hook, and Raindance Founder ELIOT GROVE.
I specialise in combining the crafts of theatre directing and film directing, along with a keen textual eye, a rigorous system of research and preparation, and a Master’s degree in History. I have extensive experience working with emerging artists, non-professional actors, and young people.
I am passionate about breathing new life into classics using re-imaginative stagings to make them feel alive and accessible to modern audiences. I am particularly interested in the English canon and modern myths and fairytales.
I have directed at The Bush Theatre Studio, the Southwark Playhouse, The Park, and The Pleasance. I’ve been Assistant Director at The Cockpit and The Southwark Playhouse.
THEATRE
My award-winning 15-minute comedy short BREATHE TRUTH stars Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos, The Godfather II) as a Hollywood actor whose lifelong dream to perform Shakespeare goes awry when an unexpected request from his director faces him with a difficult choice. The short has won two awards – in New York and London – alongside four nominations and five Official Selections at international film festivals.
FILM
I was a Script Reader for the Bruntwood Playwrighting Prize 2025. I Script Edited a feature film by Cannes Grand Prix-winning filmmakers Tom Gong and Claire Guiller.
DRAMATURGY
Why Hire Me?
I create exciting stories for theatre or film that attract attention and engage your audience.
I can help at any stage of creation – script editing, workshopping scenes, getting new scripts onstage, or breathing new life into classics with imaginative restaging. I particularly specialise in comedy, historical drama, adaptations, immersive sound, and working with tight budgets.
I give you peace of mind that you have a reliable, organised, proven talent on the job, and I make you a high-quality product that you and your company can be proud of.
