Reviews of past performances
*ROMEO & JULIET
By William Shakespeare, Directed & Arranged by John Jack Paterson & Mark Modzelewski
Set & Costume Design by Bethany Seddon, Lighting Design by Mark Modzelewski & Alan Blakoe, Photographed by Wayne Brewer & Keith Stanbury
CAST: Romeo- Mikey Howe, Juliet- Helen Randall, Mercutio- Jon Barnes, Tibalt- Asha Cecil, Ben- Edward Kettle, Volio- Steph Smith, Mr. Capulet- Toby Harris, Mrs. Capulet- Adele Cordner, Friar Laurence- James Pritchard, Nurse- Cari Barley, Balthasar- Carys McQueen, CREATIVE ENSEMBLE: Mark Sadler, Becs Parker, Tom Roderick, Lilly Hart, Lauren Phillipou, Oliver F. DomÃnguez-Quero, Luke Slade
Cardiff Shakespeare
“The Creative Ensemble were also superb, and were integral to the success of the play.”
“…visually and audibly stunning.”
“…with a marvellous cast, perfectly directed (and well edited, might I add! It was a brisk piece of engrossing entertainment)…:
The Nerdy Notebook
“…respecting the intelligence of its audiences, challenging them to come along with the fantastic company…”
“…there is something to be said for taking the leap into the unknown.”
An Organized Mess
“…all who are fortunate enough to see it, an alternative glimpse into the words of Shakespeare and the relevance of the themes.”
“The decisions made by co-directors Mark Modzelewski and Jack Paterson create all the success of the piece.”
“There is much to compliment in the production. …it is definitely a must-see.”
*THE BURNING GADULKA
Written by Rayko Baychev, Translated by Angela Rodel, Directed by Milena Aneva, Performed by Miro Kokenov, Assistant Directed by Mark Modzelewski, Photographed by Boris Urumov
Fringe Review
“Kokenov uses energetic physical acting together with narration to populate the small stage space with a village full of people.“
…is beautifully told with physical gestures. Recommended!”
Broadway Baby
“Kokenov is the perfect fit for this part: energetic and engaging…“
“…fascinating stream of consciousness.”
“…there are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the performance.”
The Theatre Times
“Kokenov himself has a charisma and explosive charm that allows him to carry off a one-man show as effortlessly as if it had a full cast of actors.”
“His mastery in physical humour is what carries the show…”
“…variously touching, sad and deeply comical.”
*LILIOM – A Legend in Seven Scenes
Written by Ferenc Molnár, Adapted by Mark Jackson, English Translation by Benjamin F. Glazer
Directed by Mark Modzelewski, Costume & Prop Design by Gabriela Tsonkova, Lighting Design by Alex Walker, Stage Management by Sarah Trim West, Assistant Direction & Marketing by David Gasperetti, Dramaturgy by Adam Burak, Photographed by E’like’m Agbeko Akpalu
CAST: Liliom- Blain Neale, Julie- Dana Ologeanu, Marie- Sam Kamras, Mrs. Muskat/ Rich Man- Regina Russell, Mrs. Hollunder/ Magistrate- Alariza Nevarez, Ficsur/ Poor Man- Harold Addo, Linzman/ Guard- Laurence Bourne
A Younger Theatre
“The Torchlight Collective cast did a sound job in capturing the audience through drama that was intense, at times humorous and consistent.”
“All the actors in the show gave great performances…”
“I enjoyed the moments of silence which is often avoided in theatre…”
“Great character work lays at the heart of this adaption…“
Hello, Emma Kay
“…we were handed raffle tickets- …and opened the door to the fairground inside.”
“… all cast members dazzled the stage in their own way.”
“…is Torchlight Collective’s first production and what a play to mark the beginning of their adventure.”
“It was a fabulous production to witness a wonderful whiff of fresh talent.“
London Theatre 1
“I have rarely, if ever, had such an immersive experience at the theatre before the show had even started…“
“…always engaging. There isn’t a weak link in this company.“
“…this is an incredibly moving piece of theatre.“
“An astonishing debut from Torchlight Collective, who have arrived on the London stage in style.“
Frost Magazine
“…the audience were immersed from the start and we feel a part of the set and a part of the production.”
“…explored dark and light, comedy and death and the audience felt they were taking a ride on an emotional rollercoaster.”

“My only criticism? This production was only on for a week.”
See the photo galleries of these performances on the Theater page
*Mark directed or assisted on these three shows while he was Artistic Director of Torchlight Collective, an independent theatre company that he founded which was based in London, UK.