Associate Directors

Dr Bernie C Byrnes

Dr Bernie C. Byrnes is an award-winning writer and director and holds a PhD in Literary Criticism. Bernie is an established theatrical practitioner, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Guild of Directors. Previous credits include the Globe, National Theatre, and the RSC. 

Bernie’s specialist interests are Mental Health, ‘Art & Vulnerable Communities’ and New Writing. She has been Director in Residence at Pluto Play Productions since 2017 and Writer in Residence at Blackwatch Entertainment (BWE) since 2019.

Bernie is involved in the following Pluto Play Productions projects: Homeward Bound, Fighting For Life, Bounce Back Boy, Finishing Touches, All I Wanted Was A Doll, Where’s Your Mama Gone?

Marie Fortune

Marie Fortune is an award-winning director, writer and actor specialising in new writing, classical texts, modern texts, and puppetry. She trained at Arts Ed & the National Youth Theatre and works nationally and internationally in theatre and film. 

She is especially drawn to projects based on true stories and lived experiences that help to raise awareness and create conversations. She became Co Artistic Director of Foan & Fortune Theatre Company in 2019 and has been a Director in Residence for Pluto Play Productions since 2020.

Marie is involved in the following Pluto Play Production projects: 

SOUND OF SILENCE, #HELLOMYNAMEIS, DON'T LEAVE ME NOW, FIGHTING FOR LIFE, BLUE SKIES, FINISHING TOUCHES, BOTH SIDES NOW, CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS, WHERE OR WHEN, YOU KILLED MY HUSBAND, BENEATH THE WHITE COAT, LET'S TALK LYMPHEDEMA and WHERE'S YOUR MAMA GONE? 

@mariefortune, www.mariefortune.com.