Michael Neri is a working-class theatre director whose practice is rooted in truthful, actor-led storytelling and a deep respect for the rehearsal room. He holds a Master’s degree in Acting (Distinction) from the Guildford School of Acting. Passionate about queer narratives and emotionally driven theatre, his work champions stories that are bold, political and human. He is known for creating rehearsal spaces that are rigorous yet generous — where high standards meet humour, clarity and collaboration. For Michael, craft and care go hand in hand.
His directing work spans new writing, musical theatre and large-scale commercial pantomime. He directed Mr. Jones, written by his creative partner Liam Holmes, which received multiple Off West End Award and Fringe Theatre Award nominations following five-star, critically acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Finborough Theatre. The production is due to transfer to a UK tour in late 2026 into 2027. He is thrilled to be continuing his collaboration with Liam on future projects.
Michael wrote the London production of Wet Feet, a new play, which was nominated for an Off West End Award. He also directed Man 33 – A San Jose Story, a new musical currently in development following its initial London run. His pantomime work includes directing Jack and the Beanstalk (Adults) and Cinderella, as well as serving as Associate Director on Cinderella at the Roses Theatre. Additional credits include Bayside at The Other Palace and a regional production of Rent in Birmingham. Across all genres, his work is defined by pace, clarity of storytelling and a strong connection to audience.
A passionate champion of new writing, Michael is co-creator of Nu’ Pen Festival, which in 2025 commissioned and staged fourteen brand new plays in London, platforming emerging voices and underrepresented writers. He is currently developing a new play bound for the Union Theatre in June 2026, alongside the continued development of Man 33, a new musical.
Alongside his directing career, Michael works as a visiting lecturer for drama schools and is the founder of Talking Props Theatre Arts, his West Midlands–based stage school. Through this work he remains committed to widening access to high-quality training outside London, with students going on to train at some of the UK’s leading stage schools.
At the heart of his work is a belief that theatre should be truthful, accessible and unapologetically alive and that the best rooms are those where everyone feels both challenged and supported to do their finest work.