HOLM is a small independent theatre company based in SOUTH Wales & South West ENGLAND.
We create live original performance through a collaborative process of writing, improvisation, music and play.
Our work explores the ways in which ordinary communities in specific locations are affected by the past. This hyperlocal focus is paired with an internationalist outlook. We believe global exchange isn’t a luxury, but a necessity that all people should enjoy.
We take our name from two islands in the Severn estuary: Flat Holm and Steep Holm. Claimed by Wales and England respectively, these islands reflect the split heritage of the company and our belief in the importance of place.
Led by founder and director Jesse Briton, HOLM is a reimagining of the Fringe First-winning company Bear Trap (Bound, Enduring Song, A Pupil, Messiah), and a drawing together of Jesse’s wider work across both regions.
Jesse Briton • Director
Jesse grew up in Somerset and now lives in the South Wales Valleys.
He trained as an actor and theatre-maker with Uri Roodner at the University of Essex, and continued his studies at Aberystwyth University in performance and scenography.
In 2010 he founded HOLM’s predecessor, Bear Trap Theatre, with theatre-maker and performer Joe Darke, and for ten years developed all of the company’s productions including the Fringe First-winning Bound, Enduring Song, A Pupil and Messiah.
Alongside this, he founded Somerset’s premier producing theatre company Wassail with Nick White, began an award-winning collaboration with designer Buddug James Jones, and worked on commission for Little Soldier, HOME (Manchester), Theatre Centre, and Curious Directive.
His work as an actor includes performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avignon Festival and at theatres across Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, The Philippines, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the USA.
His plays are published in the UK by Faber & Faber at Methuen.
Anthony Kosky • Producer
Essex-born, Surrey based and is now a dual citizen of Argentina. Anthony has worked as an actor, composer, musician, theatre-maker and producer for over a decade.
In 2012 he co-founded a new writing company The Alchemist Theatre Company, now The Alchemist Arts Collective. He has developed with/or produced work at; Soho Theatre, Arcola Theatre, Park Theatre, Finbourgh Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Oval House, Kings Head Theatre, The Place (Euston), Arts Theatre (West End), The Actors Centre (West End). Touring regionally to Lowry (Salford), Chapter (Cardiff), Northern Stage, Bolton Octagon, South Hill Park Arts Centre, and Unity Theatre (Liverpool).
A specialist in artist development, Anthony collaborates with artists across the UK and Internationally. In 2023 he joined HOLM Theatre to build the companies' work across the UK and Internationally.
