West End
MAMMA MIA!
25th Anniversary cast. Covered Sam, Bill, Harry and Father Alexander, and performed Sam and Bill.
Our story
From Wirral.
To the West End.
And back to the room.
Founded by John-Paul Birss to bring working industry professionals and meaningful training opportunities closer to home.
John-Paul Birss · Founder
A performer.
A local connection.
A reason to bring it home.
Professional actor, singer and musical theatre performer. From Wirral, with experience in the West End and professional rehearsal rooms.
The opportunities closer to home.
John-Paul is a professional actor, singer and musical theatre performer from Wirral. He trained at The Hammond School, completing a National Diploma in Musical Theatre.
His performing career has taken him into West End and professional rehearsal rooms. W2W grew from wanting performers in the North West to have access to those people, insights and experiences without constantly travelling to London.
W2W complements existing training. It gives performers a chance to work with different professionals, explore specialist disciplines and bring what they learn back to their regular school, college or practice.
“I wanted to create the opportunities I would have loved to have had closer to home.”
Experience behind the room.
Selected highlights from John-Paul’s professional work.
Professional theatre
On stage
Bill in MAMMA MIA! for Royal Caribbean. Other theatre includes The Scouse Christmas Carol, The Musical of Musicals and The MGM Story at Hope Mill Theatre.
Live appearances
Beyond the theatre
West End Live 2024 and Magic at the Musicals at the Royal Albert Hall.
Screen & industry
A broader perspective
Screen work includes House of Guinness, Peaky Blinders and Munich: Edge of War. John-Paul has also worked with and assisted Royal Caribbean casting. He is an Equity member.
A few moments from the journey.
John-Paul’s professional life, on stage and beyond.
Ambitious. Supportive. Open to learning.
You don’t have to be perfect before you walk through the door.
Our guests are people John-Paul trusts to give their all to the performers in the room. Some sessions include individual work and feedback; others focus on the ensemble.
The aim is to learn, take risks and make connections in a professional, encouraging atmosphere. Check the suitability guidance for each workshop, and ask us if you’re unsure.