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Image description: White. An absence of colour. Uninterested in obeying expectations.
Text introduces all Instagram users to the actor Dan Hardwell, with Spotlight Pin: 6 6 1 2 - 8 9 4 7 - 6 0 2 1 .
MASC 4 MASC - Written by Jye Bryant. Directed by Dan Hardwell, Drayton Arms Theatre (2026).
It was such a joy to direct this short play about deconstructing masculinity and embracing authenticity, for Cellar Door's recent scratch night: 'Fresh Shoots'.
Image description: Seven pictures of the cast of Masc 4 Masc. The poster advertising the Fresh Shoots event; Zack getting ready for their date while in a comfortable environment; Zack and Brody on an awkward date, as Zack presents a masculine facade; Ryan interrupting the date with a macho-frat-boy energy; the Waitstaff delivering a medium rare steak to Brody and a super rare steak to Zack (as requested); Zack and Brody softening towards each other; the cast (Jamie, Tito, Leonardo, Tom) taking a bow after the performance.
[an extract from] MAENAD - Written by Mary Foxx. Directed by Dan Hardwell, Riverside Studios (2025).
I had the pleasure of exploring various states of being while delving into this world of femininity, ritual, and desire.
📸 @ahgeewiz
Image description: Five pictures of Mary Foxx in their one-person show as a part of Pushback's fourth scratch night. The poster for Maenad, showcasing the brilliant Mary Foxx as the creator and performer with Dan Hardwell as the director; Mary Foxx arising from her tomb after a long sleep; Mary Foxx impersonating historic showgirl Esther Walker; Mary Foxx unleashing their power; Mary Foxx calling upon the Gods to help in her quest.
DIRTY LAUNDRY - Written by Niki Agrios. Directed by Anna Seyerle, Bread & Roses Theatre (2025).
I had so much fun doing the movement direction for this show, that featured a traditional Irish dance sequence, as a part of Lambeth Fringe Festival.
📸 @a.best.pic
Image description: Seven pictures of Niki Agrios in Restitched Theatre's debut production. A poster advertising 'Dirty Laundry' by Restitched Theatre with Niki Agrios hanging up a sheet; Niki Agrios removing societal shame; Niki Agrios observing a projection of Ireland's mother and baby institutions; Niki Agrios seeking answers while an empty clothesline lingers above; Niki Agrios weaving a cross; Niki Agrios backing away from an oppressive history; Dan Hardwell smiling with the founders of Restitched Theatre (Anna Seyerle and Niki Agrios) after the show.
SUNLAND - Written by Madeline Whitby. Directed by Madison Cole, Riverside Studios // Lion & Unicorn (2025).
I had a lovely time facilitating some of the (dark) movement moments in this terrific production.
Image description: Eight pictures showcasing the cast of Sunland. Bo searching for a signal with bloodied hands; Fran and Yael celebrating finding a new home; Charlie assisting Bo in an act of mercy; Fran being a peacekeeper between Charlie and Bo; Yael and Bo discussing morality; Charlie reliving a horrific past; Fran resting after a dangerous procedure; the full company of Sunland huddling together.
A filmed monologue portraying Anonym and Mildew in a piece by TJ Roderick, from a night showcasing new work by Woodhouse&Roderick.
Reel description: Dan Hardwell living in a daydream, filled with curiosity and introspection, while battling with the presence of another.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Jessica Keilty, Victoria Hall Theatre (2025).
Returning to Much Ado, this time as movement director, has been such a nostalgic experience, that even included a cheesy boy-band-choreo moment.
📸 @marbleandskyphotography
Image description: Nine pictures from Wayward Theatre's inaugural production. The company smiling together; Don Pedro communicating with the lads; our aspiring *NSYNC entering the party; the group dancing at an ultraviolet rave; Benedick listening in to a fabricated scheme; Beatrice and a flamingo eavesdropping from afar; the Friar advising Hero and Leonato; a pair of villians celebrating their fortune; The Watch preparing to stop some crime.
[an extract from] FRANKENSTEIN (or, a modern adaptation) - Written by Eithne Garricks and composed by Rosie Sutton. Directed by Dan Hardwell, Theatre Deli (2025).
📸 @donlocke
Image description: Eight pictures and one video of the cast of Frankenstein as a part of Pushback's most recent scratch night. The poster showcasing our talented cast (portraying Victor, The Creature, Henry, and Elizabeth) alongside our truly genius creative team (with Dan Hardwell as director); Henry and Elizabeth are trapped in a physical gesture sequence while Victor is exploring the world; Victor experimenting with human flesh; Elizabeth interrupting Victor's project; Henry and Elizabeth dreaming of Victor's return; Victor and Henry exchanging vulnerabilities; The Creature enjoying the freedom and naivety of existence; Victor disowning any responsibility of The Creature; a video of the cast bowing after making their director incredibly proud.
THE PACT - Written by TJ Roderick. Directed by TJ Roderick, Asylum Chapel (2024).
I had so much fun working on this camp, alternative pantomime, last December, as Assistant Director. Such a fabulous experience with a truly wonderful cast and creative team.
Image description: Five pictures and one video showcasing the cast of The Pact. The poster presenting Mother Tappete underneath 'The Pact' written with religious imagery; the chorus of nuns ready for choir practice; Calcifer Doom (our villian) creating hilarious havoc; the mischievous devils scheming while in the fiery pits of hell; a video of the nuns (led by Sister Sincerity) performing "Gaudete" in their Christmas concert; a group picture of the entire cast of The Pact celebrating and jubilating.
[an extract from] GenderFEAR - Written by Dan Hardwell. Directed by Georgie Lynch, Riverside Studios (2024).
📸 @einleid
Image description: Seven pictures of Dan Hardwell showcasing new work at Pushback's inaugural scratch night performance. Dan Hardwell dancing tirelessly; Dan Hardwell interrogating the audience; Dan Hardwell posing on a sofa; Dan Hardwell floating across the stage; Dan Hardwell presenting trans clownfish; Dan Hardwell discovering warmth; Dan Hardwell alongside the company of Scratch My PushBack.
![[an extract from] MAENAD - Written by Mary Foxx. Directed by Dan Hardwell, Riverside Studios (2025).I had the pleasure of exploring various states of being while delving into this world of femininity, ritual, and desire. @ahgeewizImage description: Five pictures of Mary Foxx in their one-person show as a part of Pushback's fourth scratch night. The poster for Maenad, showcasing the brilliant Mary Foxx as the creator and performer with Dan Hardwell as the director; Mary Foxx arising from her tomb after a long sleep; Mary Foxx impersonating historic showgirl Esther Walker; Mary Foxx unleashing their power; Mary Foxx calling upon the Gods to help in her quest.](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6729596369356649542518_0_437dc9fade3081df117ee2edc0e48ec2.jpg?o=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&h=18634dc098db319b589a8bc77108ade2)
![[an extract from] FRANKENSTEIN (or, a modern adaptation) - Written by Eithne Garricks and composed by Rosie Sutton. Directed by Dan Hardwell, Theatre Deli (2025). @donlockeImage description: Eight pictures and one video of the cast of Frankenstein as a part of Pushback's most recent scratch night. The poster showcasing our talented cast (portraying Victor, The Creature, Henry, and Elizabeth) alongside our truly genius creative team (with Dan Hardwell as director); Henry and Elizabeth are trapped in a physical gesture sequence while Victor is exploring the world; Victor experimenting with human flesh; Elizabeth interrupting Victor's project; Henry and Elizabeth dreaming of Victor's return; Victor and Henry exchanging vulnerabilities; The Creature enjoying the freedom and naivety of existence; Victor disowning any responsibility of The Creature; a video of the cast bowing after making their director incredibly proud.](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6745124530693443576022_0_fe23f69eeeb2e7f42bfef30ebdd8c334.jpg?o=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&h=3eaf635fd74042f886f2ada1d517b59f)
![[an extract from] GenderFEAR - Written by Dan Hardwell. Directed by Georgie Lynch, Riverside Studios (2024). @einleidImage description: Seven pictures of Dan Hardwell showcasing new work at Pushback's inaugural scratch night performance. Dan Hardwell dancing tirelessly; Dan Hardwell interrogating the audience; Dan Hardwell posing on a sofa; Dan Hardwell floating across the stage; Dan Hardwell presenting trans clownfish; Dan Hardwell discovering warmth; Dan Hardwell alongside the company of Scratch My PushBack.](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6818125969656332447330_0_e1fe3a74f713b38a7c04357029584b1c.jpg?o=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&h=adaf59b545cb3d79bb6f3f67e8102858)
