About Me

Hi! I'm James. I started Events From History back in 2011, but the story begins much earlier than that.

Performing in 'The Hollywood Glamour Ball' in 2024 at Coombe Abbey Hotel

Back in the 1990s, a shy, retiring 14 year old was frogmarched by his Drama teacher to an audition sign up sheet. This was the moment that would change my life. I had no intention of performing in 'Grease' but I loved it. From that first show, I was hooked, and theatre would play a huge part in my life.

I'm the one with the moustache - playing Major Ross in Our Country's Good - another school play!

Through the rest of my education, I worked part-time as a Guide at Warwick Castle - sometimes leading tours, sometimes based in just one room, and often in costume. This is where my passion for history was formed, and I started to learn how to combine my two favourite things - history and theatre.

Some post- work fun!! This is where I first learned archery

Eventually, I left the Medieval world and started working as an Actor. Early roles included Dick Whittington in a panto which toured to Working Men's Clubs (some tough audiences to please) which taught me a lot! Quite a few roles in local fringe theatre, and a few small TV roles led me to some really amazing experiences and parts in a career that I loved.

Playing 'Peter' in 'The Railway Children' outdoors for Heartbreak Productions

As wonderful as this career was, I felt a change was needed. I had also worked behind the scenes, building sets and sourcing props for various theatre companies, and so I thought becoming a plumber might be a good change of direction, given how handy I was.

This was not the move for me!! I took a course and got started, but a few months in it was clear that my heart was not in it. I made my way back to work in theatre, both on and off stage. I directed a number of plays and also started delivering workshops in schools based on Shakespeare and other drama related topics. I also made a return to Warwick Castle, this time helping to teach guests how to shoot a longbow, a skill I had picked up earlier in the story!

Teaching Archery at Warwick Castle

Soon, I started working at Coombe Abbey as an actor on their famous Medieval Banquets and Murder Mysteries. After about a year, I was also offered to begin working as a Toastmaster for the many weddings that are held there.

The early days at Coombe

Everything changed in 2011, when the chap I was working for at Warwick Castle offered to sell me the business and Events From History was born! Soon after that, I was promoted at Coombe to oversee the development of the in-house entertainment team, a role which I still hold (and love). These things work very much in symbiosis - and Events From History is now able to offer a wide range of entertainment for every event!! The business has changed over the years, but I continue to drive it along as best I can. At the core of it is the fantastic team of people who work with me - they provide all of the fun! We are so pleased to be able to perform for you at such a variety of events with a wide range of themes at our disposal.

Some of my many faces!