Paul Bench adjudicated the 2009 Festival. studied at London and Birmingham Universities and has worked for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as an examiner for many years. He has been head of Drama and Theatre in several large departments and Director of Studies. Paul has written many articles and book reviews for various journals and newspapers such as The Times Educational Supplement and The Stage. He is presently poetry reviews editor for Journal of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama.
As an adjudicator member of The International and British Federation of Festivals, he has adjudicated many festivals over the years. He has worked for the Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival on many occasions also.
He has taught voice and presentation skills at several UK university departments for MA and MSc programmes where he has been a visiting lecturer and he is a member of the Society of Education Consultants. In his capacity as an examiner with LAMDA he has worked with students throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, and has travelled internationally to Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, The United States and The Middle East. He has a private and corporate client base from a wide spectrum from the Law, Education, Business and the Performing Arts. He is a member of the British Voice Association and a tutor for Voicecare Network, working with teachers and lecturers to help in their vocal care and delivery in the classroom.
Paul is an International Bach Flower practitioner, advanced medical aromatherapist and Reiki Therapist, specialising in relaxation techniques. He regularly provides day courses in Voice Therapy, The Creative Self, Bach Flower Therapy and Performance Psychology.
