Here are a few reviews from over the years. Surprisingly, the theatrical approach has always won favour from even the most staid academics, so long as academic integrity is maintained throughout the creative process. 

 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon:

‘…It has been your creative genius that has driven this project from the very beginning, and your energy sustained the project all along the way… Comments from our visitors range from “incredibly moving” to “it’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before”. We feel fortunate indeed that George Washington’s estate is the very first place in America where your talents have been unleashed. Without a doubt, there will be many more to follow. ’ James C. Rees, Resident Director of Mount Vernon

 

Morgan’s Raid at Conner Prairie History Park, Indiana:

‘…you’ve never seen an exhibit like 1863 Civil War Journey. It’s a chance to let living history not only unfold before your eyes, but surround you. …the technology and set design of the exhibit was shockingly impressive – on par with something you might see at Disney World. …the event is a colossal artistic and educational achievement.’ Indianapolis Newsweekly

‘…you become part of the story. That’s the magic of how you learn so much and retain the information after your experience. It’s fun. It’s flashy. It’s a hip way to learn history. Even your tough-to-impress eighth grader won’t know this is an educational experience. …Bring your family, bring your friends, and invite out-of-town guests. …You must go… Sometimes the best things in life are right under our noses…’ Indiana Business Journal

 

Coacoochee’s Story at Tampa Bay History Centre, Florida:

‘The production levels in the theater are outstanding, and the presentation is well grounded, informative, and quite moving. The History Center worked with Boston Productions to create the media content and with Jonathan Bean Design Limited of England to design and create the sets, which convincingly evoke the local landscape. One cannot help but feel the powerful influence of Disney World, for it is easy to imagine the Coacoochee’s Story Theater experience taking place in a theme park about forty-five miles to the northeast, as a few members of the audience noted on their way out of the theater. In this case the theatrical presentation seems to be a fitting way to tell the dramatic story of Coacoochee and the Second Seminole War.’ Journal of American History

“Our favourite British story teller has brought this story to life!” CEO, C J Roberts in his opening speech

“Coacoochee’s Story will raise our museum to national status!” Chair of the Tampa Bay Trustees, in his opening speech

“It was like the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. I was speechless!”  Willie Johns, Seminole Historian, on seeing the exhibit for the first time

 

Jorvik Viking Centre, Isle of Man Heritage Centre, Robin Hood Centre, Thackray Medical Museum:

‘Jorvik is to Disney as butter is to margarine…’ Museums Gazette

‘The combination of atmospheric lighting, sounds, smells, and character figures is a familiar one but the displays are amongst the best I have seen…’ Museums Journal

‘Dramatic interpretation and thorough research…’ Museums Journal

‘…vile and nauseating displays’  Written complaint from a Senior consultant psychiatrist, St James Hospital, Leeds on Thackray Medical Museum 1842 slum courtyards. This pretty much fulfilled my brief!

‘Testy set designer…’ The Observer

…a genius…’ Belfast Telegraph   

‘Loveable eccentric’ The Daily Mirror

‘Scenically challenged…’ The Manx Enquirer !!