Natalie is a writer & actor. Her pilot FLING is currently in development with NoHo Productions. She featured in CBBC’s BAFTA winning SECRET LIFE OF BOYS playing Orc Ward and Shrimpy McPrawnbottoms. She wrote both characters and served as a team writer on Series Three. She also created, wrote and starred in a web series about the quarter-life crisis, THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS.

In 2018 Natalie performed her debut solo show JASPER RED: PRESS PLAY; a self-indulgent drag queen energy healing therapist with a Britney Spears obsession. The show went on to gain critical claim at the Edinburgh Fringe, and was followed in 2019 by a new cabaret show with Porscha Jean, BROTHER SUN & SISTER MOON.  She is currently working on various original television and podcast projects and her idols include Geri Halliwell and Laa-Laa off the Teletubbies.

When did you leave The Abbey and what are you doing now?

I left in 2009. I’m now a screenwriter & performer working on my first original comedy drama TV show, a podcast with BBC Comedy Studios, and various other projects. Previously, I managed the YouTube business at Zodiak Kids, where I got my ‘in’ to TV and spent the past six years building up my contact book and writing skills to be able to take the leap into freelancing.

2. What do you miss the most about The Abbey?

The ‘in’ jokes with teachers, the music office, and those lovely bottle-green Songs of Praise books. A special moment I’ll never forget was when Mrs Catlow gave us a life lesson in year 8, closing Lord of the Flies she boldly announced that we should ALWAYS have our own bank account in later life. It’s something me and my Abbies still fondly look back on today, and we’ve stayed true to her words!

3. What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Getting my writing agent – Katie – at The Agency, that I can remember the dance moves to Shine Jesus Shine – as taught by the great Mrs Stanley, and that Lorraine Kelly once commented on my Instagram.

4. What advice would you give to current students?

That most advice is pointless, unless it really speaks to you. Be kind, be an ally, and the only person you should work hard to impress is yourself.