The Writers Mark Distin and Stephen Michael Lowe co-founded KOBAL Theatre Company in 2001 and have so far staged eight productions, seven of which they co-wrote. Their ninth production, "Dave & Jeff Versus the Crazed Corpse-loving Consultant from Cardiothoracics" is currently being prepared and will be performed as part of Manchester’s 24:7 Theatre Festival 2008. Mark and Stephen have also written several sketches, radio plays, a television pilot and a comic; two of which are due for production by independent companies this year. Mark Distin Originally from Solcombe in Devon, Mark moved north to study Lighting & Sound Design at The Oldham College in 1998. After achieving a Higher National Diploma two years later Mark found his talents in high demand, working at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester between 2001 and 2004 before transferring his boundless skills to Contact in Manchester and finally becoming a freelance designer last year. His directorial debut was in 2003 with KOBAL's production of "An Evening with Gary Lineker", followed by “Beer!” at Contact in 2006. He has also appeared in two productions, the latest being “The Man with the Incredibly Strong Lips”. Stephen Michael Lowe Lancashire lad Stephen has been an actor and writer since childhood. Having studied drama and performing arts to HND level, Stephen moved into directing and producing in 1998 when he co-founded Proteus Theatre Company. In the company's short life Stephen directed "Bouncers" (1998) and starred in "Death in Small Doses" (1999), the latter of which he co-wrote with comedian John Mellor. He has also directed three of KOBAL’s productions and acted in four more, most recently portraying Stan in both the Contact Manchester and Buxton Fringe Festival renditions of “Beer!”

All images and text © 2006 The KOBAL Theatre Company