Meet the Designer
Behind Marmaduke
Hello! I’m Stu, the founder of Marmaduke Designs – a graphic design studio with creativity at its core and theatre in its soul.
I officially launched Marmaduke in September 2019, but my design journey began over a decade earlier. Entirely self-taught, I’ve worked closely with organisations of all sizes to create standout digital and print designs – with a special focus on theatre, events, and the arts. From eye-catching posters to beautifully crafted programmes, my aim is always to make your production shine.​
A Life Steeped in Theatre
Design isn’t my only passion – I’ve been performing for as long as I can remember. Originally from the beautiful spa town of Harrogate and now based in Thirsk, I first caught the performance bug aged four through Irish dance. That spark led to training in jazz, tap, and ballet, and eventually into the world of musical theatre, where I truly found my voice.
My first major role came in sixth form when I was cast as the Leading Player in Pippin – and from that moment on, I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve performed in over 70 productions across the UK – spanning community theatre, European tours, and variety shows. Alongside performing, I’ve also directed and choreographed for both youth and adult productions, bringing stories to life from both sides of the curtain.
Theatre Credits Include:
Nicely Nicely Johnson, Guys and Dolls (Yeadon Town Hall); David, Company (Theatre@42); Brian, Avenue Q; Mr Williams and Gabe Brown, School of Rock; Brother Dan, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Vocalist, York Stage Festive Feast; Dick Clark, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; Toymaker and Coggins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Marvin, Sweet Charity (Theatre@41); Charlie and Matthews, Elf: The Musical; Pig, Pied Piper, Dragon Puppeteer, Shrek: The Musical (Grand Opera House, York); Gordon Shakespeare, Nativity: The Musical (Grand Opera House, York); Lawrence Sugden, Calendar Girls: The Musical; Professional Dancer, Strictly Movies (Yeadon Town Hall); Cosmo Brown, Singin’ in the Rain (Theatre Royal, Wakefield); Manfred, Sunset Boulevard (Yeadon Town Hall); Jerry Travers, Top Hat (The Royal Hall, Harrogate); Gilbert Chilvers, Betty Blue Eyes (Harrogate Theatre); Sir Robin, Spamalot (Yeadon Town Hall); Drake, Annie; TJ, Sister Act; Purser, Anything Goes; Billy, 42nd Street; Stewpot, South Pacific; Scarecrow, The Wizard Of Oz; Kipps, Half a Sixpence; Ambrose, Hello Dolly; Edwin, Summer Holiday; Frank, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Gerald, Me and My Girl; Tommy, Annie Get Your Gun; Leading Player, Pippin; Gosforth, Gosforth’s Fete; Jacob, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Teddy, The Ghost Train; George Pepper, Noel Coward’s Red Peppers; Sandy Tyrell, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever; Francis, La Cage Aux Folles; Joey Biltmore, Guys and Dolls; Duke, Disco Inferno; Vocalist, S’Wonderful; Ensemble, Legally Blonde, Oklahoma, Chess, Godspell, The Sound of Music; Dancer, To Die For (London Palladium); Dancer, Children’s Variety Performance (Her Majesty’s Theatre, London); Dancer, Best Of Musical Theatre 4 and 11 (Winter Gardens, Blackpool); Dancer, Showtime Express – On Tour (European Tour).
Director/Choreographer Credits Include:
Sunset Boulevard, Walt and Friends, Showtime 2015, In The Mood with Echo42, What a Night!, Rock Bottom, The Amazing Adventures of Superstan, Ye-Ha!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, A Fairytale Christmas Carol, A Step in Time, A Countdown to Christmas, The Wiz, The Lion King Kids, Matilda: The Musical, Shrek Jr., Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits.
Highlights & Collaborations
Alongside performing, I’ve had the pleasure of designing for some brilliant productions and companies, including:
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Corporate Entertainment UK – West End and Friends starring Kerry Ellis and Six’s Maiya Quansah-Breed
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D3 Productions – with performers including Lee Mead, Jake Quickenden, and Divina De Campo
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York Stage, LAOS, Diva Productions, Upstage Academy, Harrogate Dramatic Society, Inspired by Theatre, Portsmouth Players, and many more across the UK
In 2020, my programme design for My Fair Lady won the Deluxe Programme Award in the NODA Programme Competition, and my Oklahoma programme was awarded at the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre — proud moments that celebrate my passion for bringing theatre productions to life on the page.
My background in theatre helps me deliver designs that not only look great but feel right – designs that speak the language of the stage.
Theatre Reviews
As well as designing and performing, I also write theatre reviews – a natural extension of my passion for the stage. I approach every review with honesty, warmth, and a genuine love for the artform. Whether it’s a youth theatre musical or a full-scale production, I aim to highlight the creativity, effort, and storytelling that goes into every performance.
You can read one of my latest reviews here, and I’m always open to reviewing productions across Yorkshire and beyond. If you’d like to invite me along, feel free to get in touch.
Why Work With Me?
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Over 10 years’ experience in design for theatre and events
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First-hand understanding of the industry as a performer and director
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A genuine love of storytelling, creativity, and collaboration
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Friendly, flexible, and focused on making your production shine
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Whether you need a full campaign, a last-minute poster, or a thoughtful review – I’d love to work with you.
📩 Get in touch and let’s make something brilliant together.
Nik Briggs, York Stage
“Great understanding of the briefs I present Stuart with. His work always is of a high standard and really creates a strong visual impact."