Tonicha is a theatre-maker, director and producer-dramaturg with over 30 years’ experience working across television, theatre and performance. Her practice centres on developing new work and re-imagining classical texts, with a particular focus on movement-led, interdisciplinary theatre.

As founder of Theatre Led Arts (est. 2008), she has created a platform for emerging voices, leading the development of new writing and collaborative projects across both stage and community settings. Her work is rooted in a workshop-led process, often integrating dance, music and historical research to build work that is physically driven and dramaturgically rigorous.

Originally trained as a dancer, Tonicha’s early career in performance continues to shape her approach to making, placing the body at the centre of storytelling and exploring adaptation as a live, embodied process.

She is currently completing an MA in Dramaturgy at Leeds Conservatoire, where she is deepening her focus on producing and dramaturgy, with a growing interest in development processes, seasonal programming, and supporting new theatre-makers in bringing work from concept to stage.

Her earlier career, including her work in long-running television drama, continues to inform her understanding of character, stakes and audience, elements she brings into her work with artists to develop layered, truthful and dynamic performance.

Emmerdale - Yorkshire Television - Linda Glover/Fowler Jun 1994 - Aug 1997 

It's a Vets Life - Presenter - Yorkshire Television Aug 1997- Jan 1998

Cinderella -New Pantomimes Production Ltd - Cinderella- Dec 1997- Jan 1998 

Beauty & The Beast - Steve Shapelle Productions - Belle - Jan 1998 - May 1998 

My Wonderful Life - Granada TV - Guest Artist - May 1998 - May 1998 

Where the Heart Is - Anglia Television - Guest Artist - Jun 1998 - Jun 1998 

Cinderella - New Pantomimes Production Ltd - Cinderella - Nov 1998-Jan 1999

Rep Theatre - Hull Truck Theatre Company - Various - Apr 2000 - Jul 2000 

Snow White - New Pantomimes Production Ltd - Snow White - Nov 2000- Jan 2001 

Hull Truck Theatre - Various - Apr 2001 - Jun 2001 - Director John Godber 

Cinderella - New Pantomimes Production Ltd - Cinderella - Nov 2001- Jan 2002 

Jack & The Beanstalk - New Pantomimes Production Ltd - Fairy Peapod - Nov 2003 - Jan 2004 

Casualty - BC Wales Cardiff - Recurring Artist Steph Simms - Feb 2016 - May 2016

Holby City - BBC TV London - Guest Artist Steph Simms - Jun 2016 - Jun 2016