Planet Angel - Live an Ordinary Life in an Extraordinary Way

Involved From/ To: 2003 to now!
Description: Party Crew and Activities Co-ordinator
Contact: Click Here

I first went to Planet Angel in 2001 (with my partner, Ben, who also crews) when the party was at Imperial Gardens in Camberwell.  I loved the party immediately – it had such a friendly vibe and so many fun things to see and do.  I like to have a bit of a wander around when I'm clubbing and this party provided me with plenty of that!

Little did we realise that we'd encountered Planet Angel previously, when we went to see the epic 24-hour play 'The Warp' at the Drome, where they were running one of the rooms.  In 2003 I started caretaking, volunteering to help out at the party, and really enjoyed it.  It was great to give something back and there was a real sense of community working with the party crew.

After a few months I was asked to fill in a couple of roles on the crew when they were short-handed and got my first taste of stamping hands and guarding the garden (thank goodness we don’t have to do that any more, that was very chilly!)  After trying out various jobs I discovered what I liked best was hosting because I'm a people person and love to chat and make sure everyone is having the best possible party.  I particularly liked encouraging people to take part in the activities, which led to me becoming an activities host and now activities co-ordinator.  This means that as well as looking after the activities on the night, I do bits and pieces of organisation between parties.  This can be anything from printing and designing inspiration cards to planning a big event like the fashion show (which I'm extremely proud of, it was a triumph of planning and teamwork!)

I originally studied drama and worked in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh fringe theatre for several years as an actor and stage manager.  I eventually gave this up to get a proper job and proper social life.  It's so good to be doing some 'backstage' work at Planet Angel and using all those skills which have lain dormant for too long – getting back to doing what I truly love.  

In everyday life I work part time for Macmillan Cancer Support (funnily enough based in Vauxhall, more or less across the road from Hidden).  I'm a training administrator, arranging workshops for people affected by cancer, giving them the skills to be able to support others and to campaign for better services.  

I love going to gigs and festivals and am into a wide range of music from rock to classical.  I also – warning, geek alert! – read lots including science fiction and attend the occasional science fiction convention.  When not pouring over a book you may find me visiting an art exhibition or going for a healthy walk in the country or at the gym.  I speak Spanish, French and Italian (some better than others) and (I like to think) very good English – call on me to proof read your CV or look over that job application letter!   

The great thing about Planet Angel is that I have met so many lovely people to share different activities with – whether it's working on a party project or going out and having fun.  It's a very supportive environment.  Working for Planet Angel has boosted my self confidence, inspired me and greatly enriched my life.  And it's really showed me how to party!