Who We Are

After training in theatre at the University of Warwick, Simon worked as a director and stage manager until his Ordination to the Priesthood in 1990. He served as Curate in the Cowley Team Ministry in Oxford under the leadership of Fr. Keith Haydon, and was Vicar of St Mary Magdalene, Munster Square in London from 1995-2006. He was appointed Rector of St Paul’s in May 2006.

Revd Simon can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Richard is a professional actor and theatre director as well as a priest of more than 50 years. He has made countless TV and stage appearances, and directed over a hundred shows ranging from Greek tragedy to Pinter, Shakespeare to American musicals. In film he has worked with directors including Mike Leigh, Anthony Minghella, Stephen Frears, Peter Hall, Thomas Vinterberg and Phylida Lloyd.

He has been in and out of the Actors' Church since the 60s! He still plays old men on TV - most recently Call the Midwife, Extraordinary, Not Going Out, Wolf Hall and a new sitcom with Diane Morgan.

Revd Richard can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Rupert joined the Actors' Church in 2025.

Revd Rupert can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Marisha is our Treasurer.

Marisha can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

As Verger at St Paul’s Church, Gary plays a key role in the day-to-day life and smooth running of the church. He helps prepare the building for services and events, warmly welcomes visitors, supports clergy and staff, and leads church tours. Gary takes great pride in caring for this historic space, helping to ensure it remains a safe, well-maintained and welcoming place for everyone who walks through its doors.

Gary can be contacted via verger@actorschurch.org

Phil is the parish administrator and first port of call for most enquiries by phone or email. He is our Eco Lead, spearheading our journey to becoming an Eco Church, and also arranges new memorial plaques and manages the church's website and IT systems.

Phil is also Electoral Roll Officer and Parochial Church Council Secretary, and works Monday-Thursday.

Phil can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Ben started work with St Paul’s Covent Garden in 2019 and manages the day-to-day running of the church site and events. Responsible for curating the busy events programme, Ben also looks after operational management including Health and Safety, staff training and event staffing.

Ben can be contacted via ben@actorschurch.org

Laura is our Business Support Manager.

Laura can be contacted via finance@actorschurch.org

Caoimhe is one of our two venue duty managers who look after the safety and smooth running of events in the church.

Caoimhe can be contacted via dm@actorschurch.org

Stephen started work with St Paul’s in 2025 and is one of our two venue duty managers who look after the safety and smooth running of events in the church.

Stephen can be contacted via dm@actorschurch.org

Elle is our Technical Manager.

Elle can be contacted via technical@actorschurch.org

Esther joined the Actors' Church in 2025 and assists with the running of the office.

Esther can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Rob joined St Paul’s Covent Garden in 2005 and is our Site Supervisor, rough sleeping lead, and helps organise our Community Payback programme, Arts Club Monday and Drama For Healing groups.

Rob can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Carol leads on gardening and the partnership St Paul’s is trialling with St Mungo’s Putting Down Roots horticultural training and therapy programme.

Carol worked as a nurse in Australia for a year in 1959, was a nurse, clinical tutor and lecturer in nursing at Barts Hospital for 55 years, and part-retired and began gardening at St Paul’s in 2001.

Carol fully retired from Barts in 2014 and is co-author of Essential Nursing Skills, which was first published in 1999.

Carol can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Alex has been involved with St Paul's for over 25 years, and is currently a Churchwarden and Chorister (founder member). In the past he has taken on the roles of Treasurer, PCC lay chair and Parish representative.

In his professional career he has worked with the National Poisons Information Service and founded the UK Veterinary Poisons Information Service.

Alex is also the Former General Secretary, Treasurer and President of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists.

Currently he is an opera and classical music critic, narrator for concerts for Harmony's Music Club and a trustee of x charities.

Alex can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Tom shares his time between living mostly in the parish and his architectural work on private houses and listed buildings in Norfolk.

He has worshipped at St Paul’s Covent Garden for nearly twenty years. He enjoys all the cultural activities living in Covent Garden offers, including theatre and the wonderful galleries and museums on the doorstep. He is also a keen amateur classical pianist and composer.

Tom can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Although Robert has retired once already, he is currently an associate partner for Ernst & Young. An American who is proud to have become a British citizen, Robert came to the Actors' Church in 2007 on the recommendation of his Anglican pastor in San Francisco from where he moved. He left London two years later to work in Montreal, followed by Hong Kong, before returning in 2014 when he was happy to reconnect with the wonderful people in the parish he had come to know.

Robert is a member of the House of Laity in the General Synod. He is also chairman of the Financial Scrutiny and Communications committees of Save the Parish, whose mission is to refocus the Church of England on the importance of building strong, vibrant parishes.

Robert can be contacted via robert.zampetti@icloud.com

Simon Gutteridge joined St Paul’s Covent Garden from nearby Holy Trinity Kingsway, upon its closure in 1991.

Simon can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org

Nick is our choirmaster.

Nick can be contacted via info@actorschurch.org