About Beyond Image Productions

Beyond Image Productions was formally Painted Horse Theatre Company. Its founder and artistic director, Jim Rymer, has now joined forces with Ellen Harrison, herself an accomplished director and educator of long standing. The Company has been established since the mid 1990s in Ireland, and has gained critical acclaim for it unique touring productions.

 

Jim Rymer; Artistic Director

Jim has directed with The National Theatre of Ireland, The Abbey. He is a Founder director of the European Arts Festival held in Baarn Holland and Dortmund Germany. For Five years he directed one of Ireland's largest theatre in education companies, Down to Earth before being approached by the Irish Government to establish 'The Academy of Acting (F.A.S.) He has Guest lectured and directed for The Gaiety School of acting, University College Dublin, (Trinity College) Pathways Theatre Project, Tallagth Youth Theatre, Bull Alley Theatre Company, and Les Odes Bleus Dance Theatre Paris.

Jim was the head of drama in two secondary schools gaining outstanding plaudits from OFSTED for his departments, before becoming an outreach education officer for the Norfolk Children’s Services. His position involved looking at helping improve teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools using drama.

As well as his theatrical interests (holding a BA in Acting and a BA in Theatre Studies) Jim is also a BACP registered Psychotherapist (BSC in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy). He specialises in Drama as therapy.

Jim runs a programme for 'Omnia', a residential unit in Norwich for people suffering long term and enduring mental health problems. He has a private practice based in Norwich and also consults and gives training seminars in mental health issues for Mind, and Well Business. He is a guest lecturer in drama as therapy for Matrix School of Counselling and Psychotherapy based in Ipswich and Norwich.

 

Ellen Harrison; Producer

Ellen is an accomplished producer of standing with the Nuffield Theatre UK. She has written and produced performances in the UK, Croatia and America.

Her work in Croatia was part of the UN working with blind children caught in war torn parts of the world.

Ellen has produced drama therapy work for various community groups and lectured for organisations on the healing effects of drama with children of conflict. Ellen is an expert in Dyslexia and works as a consultant with Children’s Services in Norfolk.

Ellen has also produced training films for various organisations including Norfolk County Council. Ellen is a qualified Psychotherapist specialising in drama as therapy.

 

Lindsey Hall; Education Officer

Lindsey has recently gained her degree in Psychology from the University of Teesside. She has worked in the education sector for a short time before joining Beyond Image Productions as our Education Officer.

Her role within the company includes direct liaison with schools and other organisations, IT coordination, administrative duties and publicity management.