Posted: 23 February 2026
Artist Spotlight: Actor and Writer, ROANN HASSANI McCLOSKEY
Roann Hassani McCloskey is an Algerian-British writer & storyteller and Co-Artistic director of Bet’n Lev Theatre Company. They have just finished their UK tour of Remythed which they co-wrote and performed in. Other work includes their award-winning sell-out, one-person show, My Father the Tantric Masseur (Soho theatre, Edinburgh fringe) & Who Murdered My Cat? (Popcorn award, BBC Writersroom longlisted).
Roann has participated in programmes such as; BBC London voices, SAFAR film school for emerging Arab Filmmakers, The Northwall Catalyst Residency.
Roann’s dabbling in acting saw them at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre starring in Hanna Khalil’s Hakawatis in 2022 and was back again as Lady Macduff in 2025. Roann also co-hosts a monthly Story-telling night in North London; Last Thursday Club.
When not writing, performing or directing, Roann educates anti-oppression education to leaders across the globe as well as being Creative and Community Consultant for the British Arab Writers Group.
Roann was commissioned by Shubbak festival to write for families with the show Home at Grand Junction.
Roann‘s writing finds the heart and humour that runs through tragedy, and centres around their curiosity and passion for bringing stories usually left at the margins to the centre where they belong.
How did you get into theatre?
My parents got sick of me acting at home – or saw something in me they wanted to nurture (you decide); and enrolled me in a Saturday drama class when I was 6. It was always present in my life by either going to the theatre or being in a school production or half of my degree. Finally aged 27 I decided to quit my job and go pro and now I’m here.
What came first for you, acting or writing? And what’s it like being able to do both really bloody well?
Acting came first for me. My mum has kept everything from my childhood and recently I came across a story that I wrote age 5 – I have definitely improved and worked on my craft since then. Writing has been something I dabbled in, but it was only once I realised the state of the industry did I finally write my first show and begin creating.
Who were your creative inspirations growing up?
My parents are both creative and talented and they have inspired and encouraged me. A place close to my heart that is where I saw creativity and began to learn what theatre was, was The Questors Theatre. There are plays that were on at The Tricycle (now Kiln) that inspired me to want to shape stories for the stage. The landscape of 90’s TV, music and art in Britain is the palette I often drawn from.
First memory of going to the theatre?
First theatre trip was Music Hall in Whitstable – my aunty was in the show of am dram society. First West end show was Grease and I was blown away. First plays that cemented me in this industry was Let There Be Love and Stones in his Pockets.
What was the last play you saw?
I saw Cable Street on Friday night and found some of the performers to be absolutely fantastic and as a musical very interesting – loved how political it was.
Is there a character you’ve played that’s stayed with you long after the production ended?
I once played Hedda Gabler. Roger Beaumont directed me and he changed my life, he is excellent. I would love to play her again now I’m older and the character hasn’t left me which is why I am writing an adaptation set in Algeria.
What is the most challenging thing about being a creative freelancer and do you have any top-tips on how you deal with this?
How to fund it all – no top tips, but if anyone else has them let me know! 🙂
If you could rewrite one classic story to reflect today’s world, which would it be and why?
Oooooh such a good question! – I have too many answers! Haha! We (Bet’n Lev theatre Company) just toured Remythed and it has taken historical myths/stories/legends and queered them. 1001 nights was a pleasure to rewrite for me especially – we will continue to rework these stories to reflect the true breadth of sexuality and gender that has always been here.
What responsibilities do artists have in today’s social and political climate?
I think artists have the responsibility to keep imagining, we have to keep creating worlds to explore, worlds to mirror, worlds to build. We must keep creating.
What advice would you give to a young Algerian-British and/or Queer creative who’s just starting out?
WE NEED YOU! Don’t try and copy what anyone else is doing, don’t think ‘someone has already done it’. Only you have your voice and thoughts and feelings, write, make from your lens and how you see the world.
What’s in store next for Roann Hassani McCloskey?
I have three shows in development currently; Inshallah they get funded/commissioned/programmed in the next year. Last Thursday Club is back AND THIS TIME – it’s the same beautiful, authentic, connecting night it always was.
We (Bet’n Lev Theatre company) have a week of New Palestinian Writing at Theatre 503 in June. See you there?