How it started
A young actor, an old Victorian house, and a bell in Holland Park
My first lesson was with Angie Herzberg in 1991. I was a young, aspiring actor. My older brother — the very successful actor Sean Chapman — was giving me acting classes, and suggested I sort out my acting 'body': my physicality on stage, using the Alexander Technique.
I was 24, hyper, nervous, physically awkward, and still fighting that same terrible lower back pain. I didn't know the first thing about the Technique. Honestly, I only went because I wanted to be like my brother — I wanted to be a successful actor too.
At the time, Angie occasionally taught at Walter Carrington's training school in Holland Park. So I trundled along, followed orders from my acting coach, and rang the bell of an old Victorian house — unknowingly walking into the most famous Alexander Technique teaching space in the world.
I had no idea I'd end up becoming a teacher myself. Acting was still the plan. But after six visits, I was a total convert, and my dedication to the Technique has never faltered since. I became calmer, more confident — and the back pain was simply gone.
- 1991First lesson, with Angie Herzberg
- Holland ParkTrained at Walter & Dilys Carrington's school
- Six lessonsEnough to become a total convert
- 2001Qualified as a teacher
- Today32 years of dedication to the Technique