Et al. is a new theatre company based in London that specialises in a hybrid genre between clowning, dark comedy, durational work and task-based performances.
In our practice we test the boundaries between work and pleasure. Et al. explores themes of labour, repetition, surprise, nostalgia, accumulation, and control. We like to experiment with useless competitions and arbitrary rules between the performers and audience, working towards shared pursuits of pleasure. As a company, we have formed a friendship which underpins our methodology and mode of performance. Our aim is to share this with our audiences so everyone can experience IMMENSE joy.
The company consists of a British-Italian, a Londoner and a South African who met in a scenography class whilst studying on MA/MFA Advanced Theatre Practice at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD). We came together as each of us pay attention to dramaturgical detail, take creative risks, and recognise the entertainment value in ridiculous ideas. Our objective as a company is to do a 24-hour performance!
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GABRIELLA CURTIS
CO-FOUNDER
Gabriella Curtis is a UK–Italian theatre practitioner, performer, costume designer and kickboxer. She recently graduated with an MFA in Advanced Theatre Practice from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, following a BA in Drama from the University of East Anglia. Her creative practice in theatre, live art, and scenography is grounded in a deep love for art history, contemporary and modern art, fashion, and philosophy.
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LARA VAN HUYSSTEEN
CO-FOUNDER
Lara is a South African theatre practitioner, writer and performer who is currently based in London. She moved here from South Africa in 2018 to train in acting at Italia Conti. She continued her studies in contemporary theatre and performance at UAL: Wimbledon College of Arts and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Lara presented That Boy Has No Shoes, her solo work about South African Apartheid, at The Camden Fringe and Voila! Theatre Festival in 2024. The performance had its South African premiere in Cape Town at Homecoming Centre (formerly known as the Fugard Theatre) in March 2025.
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BELLE THURSTON
CO-FOUNDER
Belle is a theatre practitioner, writer, dancer, and performer from South London. She graduated with an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) in 2023. Her work is driven by a strong interest in experimental, live, and conceptual art. In addition to theatre-making, Belle is trained in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and is passionate about creating and performing music.
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MATT WHEATLEY
STAGE MANAGER
Matt is an interdisciplinary practitioner, musician and performer - trained at De Montfort University in ‘Performance Art’ (2022). Working as a facilitator and stage manager with Et al. has only fuelled his passion for understanding audience engagement; pushing how this can be experimented with in the current climate of performance.
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GREG HARDING
CO-CREATOR OF ABUNDANCE (2024)
Greg Harding is a London-based writer, director and stand up comedian. He trained in Drama at the University of East Anglia where he developed his craft as a stand up comedian and theatre maker. Alongside his practice, Greg supports Et al. as a valued collaborator.
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CLOTHING RAIL
PERFORMER
Loyal company member and dancer.
Featured in Jeté! (2023), ABUNDANCE (2024) and Continuum (2025).