Simon Bell
Simon is a theatre director, performance lecturer, illustrator, stage combat instructor, and has a doctorate in the work of the European conceptual artists Laibach. He has directed over 150 productions for the stage – everything from revues to operas to shows on trains(!), and recently took a couple of shows to China. This includes over 50 Shakespeare plays with the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival (now in its 38th year), for whom he’s an Associate Director.
Although he has research papers published in various academic journals, none of them have been remotely interested in the illustrated children’s books he’s done for his nephews and nieces. Being the eldest of nine not only makes for the most enormous Christmases, but also means that all those fabulous nieces and nephews are the very best inspiration, as are his six amazing sisters (six strong, intelligent, funny women who are his secret role-models).
Simon wishes he was an Orca (the most well-dressed of the cetaceans), and he’s happiest when he’s flying, particularly long-haul, which may be a result of having lived in Jamaica and Australia for most of his childhood. He currently resides in Hampshire with an extraordinary woman and 22 fish.
And two frogs.
A link to his illustration website:
