An extraordinary range of creative experience
Date of news/blog: 8th October 2026With a career spanning West End theatre, education and even dolphin training in the Florida Keys, Ian Closier-Hawkins brings an extraordinary range of creative experience to his role as Activity Coordinator at Glenburnie Lodge Care Community.
Originally from Bristol, Ian trained in stage management at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He went on to spend nearly 20 years working as a stage manager in the West End, contributing to productions including Blood Brothers, Scrooge, The Master Builder and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His work brought him alongside many celebrities (Patrick Stewart, Dame Judi Dench and Woody Harrelson to name just a few) and placed him at the centre of complex productions, coordinating rehearsals, props, cast schedules and technical cues for sound, lighting, automation and visual effects.
A natural organiser, Ian was responsible for ensuring that every department worked together and that each performance ran smoothly
Ian sees a strong connection between that experience and his new role at Glenburnie Lodge, explaining: “Both require detailed planning, creative thinking, careful budgeting and the ability to bring people together.”
After theatre, Ian took an opportunity to work as a dolphin trainer in the Florida Keys—an experience he, understandably, describes as one of the best things he has ever done. On returning to the UK, he moved to Wales and later worked in education for seven years as a teaching assistant. He has also appeared as a supporting artist in television productions and has written a limited-edition book marking the 110th anniversary of his former drama school, with a children’s book also in development – watch this space for more information in the coming months!
Ian came to the Glenburnie on the recommendation of his partner Wayne who works as Care Assistant at the home.
Despite only being with us a short time, he is already putting his personal stamp on the activity programme.
“For the first few weeks I was planning, creating a new system, organising the activity space and building a network of visiting entertainers and activity providers,” he explains.
“We’ve already had a dog therapy session and a local organisation brought in some owls which the ladies, gentlemen and staff really enjoyed interacting with.
“My priority is to involve as many people as possible whether that’s in group sessions of 1-1s. I want activities to feel welcoming whether someone joins in fully, listens from the side or simply enjoys being in a shared space.
“I feel like I’m on a cruise ship all the time, it’s brilliant!”