Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Jodie Lavin

Nov 5 2024 | By Thom Dibdin | Reply More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 25-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Jodie Lavin, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #13: Jodie Lavin

Jodie joined Lung Ha in June 2022 after doing an online workshop during lockdown, although she much prefers being in the same room with all the other actors. It is a great way to meet and work with new people and she loves acting on stage with everyone.

She has performed in one show since joining the company – Castle Lennox (Æ review: ★★★★☆ Huge humanity), in which she played one of the patients: Cindy.

Jodie plays the drums and also enjoys singing karaoke. She enjoys music and football in her spare time, as well as playing a sport called boccia, in which she participated at the Special Olympics.

Lung Ha Actor Jodie Lavin, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Jodie Lavin Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor? I loved performing on stage. It’s a great feeling.

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? Just give it a try and I’m sure that you will love it.

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? It would be amazing to get a big part!

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.