I’m a stage director.

I direct plays, musical theatre, and opera. I’m based in Scotland, UK.

I work on projects at range of scales, creating processes that support actors and acting. I’m into words, dramaturgy and playfulness, and my work often involves music and song as a key part of the storytelling.

Theatre-making is rooted in inclusion and collaboration. As a leader in both artistic and operational contexts, I cultivate healthy, respectful and celebratory creative environments, where all are empowered to do their best work.

Alongside my freelance work, I’m a part-time faculty member for the Musical Theatre department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

‘brilliantly directed by Tom Cooper’ - corrblimey.co.uk (Armour: a herstory of the Scottish Bard)

‘fantastic… the musical’s abundant comedy works at every turn… bravo director Tom Cooper’ - thequintessentialreview (A Little Night Music)

‘this is musical theatre that is challenging, compelling and compulsive’ - The Stage (Myths and Hymns)

‘Tom Cooper’s remarkable production’ - Times Literary Supplement (A Day by the Sea)

‘the best joy ride ever. Each musical number is a story within a story, fantastical in its unique creativity, simply brimming with ideas…. Director Tom Cooper leads his company with aplomb’ - musicaltheatrereview (Big Fish)

‘director Tom Cooper worked wonders… seriously high mischief’ - bachtrack (Gianni Schicchi)

‘a company that demands to be taken seriously’ - The Scotsman (Part of the Picture)

‘expertly nuanced performances… beautiful, intelligent, moving’ - Financial Times (The Trojan Women)

‘a first-rate production’ - Lancashire Evening Post (La Traviata)

FORTHCOMING

November 2025: Aladdie, a family pantomime, for Gaiety Theatre, Ayr

March 2026: Amelie, actor-muso production for Royal Conservatoire of Scotland BA Musical Theatre