Hello! My name is Maisie and I am a fight director.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of learning from, and working alongside some of the people who have shaped this profession. Their expertise has paved the way for practitioners like me to build careers in fight direction, and I believe it's time that both these artists and the craft itself received the recognition they deserve.

The Olivier Awards celebrate excellence across theatre, yet one essential discipline remains unrecognised: fight direction. 

Across the 2026 Olivier Award-nominated productions, 50% credited a fight director, spanning plays, musicals, opera and family theatre. 

Fight directors work closely with directors and actors to create compelling, story-driven combat that enhances both narrative and performance. At the same time, they combine artistic vision with technical expertise to ensure every moment is safe, repeatable and sustainable throughout a production. Whether it's a single slap, an intense brawl or an intricate sword fight, fight direction is a vital theatrical craft that helps bring stories to life.

Join me in calling for the Olivier Awards to introduce a Best Fight Direction category. Together, we can help ensure this essential theatrical discipline receives the recognition it deserves.