Linslade actors launch new personal training and theatre businesses

A Linslade couple who have starred in film and theatre shows have launched new businesses to bounce back after lockdown.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Sep 2020, 19:26 BST
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Elliot Collins, 33, and his wife Kelly Downing, 31, have founded ‘Elliot Collins Personal Training’ and the ‘West End Collective’ respectively, as they hope local residents will support their new ventures.

Hardworking Elliot, who features in the 2020 films Artemis Fowl and Death on the Nile, had been planning to set up his home studio before lockdown struck, while Hamilton star Kelly launched her online classes after the show was halted due to the pandemic.

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Talking about his passion for helping others, Elliot said: “I love performing and the gratitude and feedback you get. I never thought I’d find something I love as much as this, but [with personal training] it’s people’s self esteem.

Clockwise from top left: Elliot’s studio, the couple, Kelly, Kelly and Elliot in their Starlight Express costumes.Clockwise from top left: Elliot’s studio, the couple, Kelly, Kelly and Elliot in their Starlight Express costumes.
Clockwise from top left: Elliot’s studio, the couple, Kelly, Kelly and Elliot in their Starlight Express costumes.

“Quite often, when someone is feeling unconfident or unfit, I notice they don’t like looking in the mirror, but fast forward to two or three weeks later and they are looking at their form. But it’s not just the aesthetics, their whole personality changes.”

Elliot Collins Personal Training offers one-to-one sessions lasting one hour in his home studio, with equipment including cable machines, wall bars and TRX (suspension training).

Busy Elliot is also running ‘Bideford Green Boot Camps’ on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, focussing on metabolic conditioning, with circuit training and games.

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Indeed, the theatre-pro knows all about fitness, having needed to keep in top shape for shows including the UK tour of Bohemian Rhapsody, and the Grease arena tour (as Kenickie). Elliot has also played an ape in Tarzan and needed the energy to “bungee jump over the audience” each night!

Meanwhile, if musical theatre is more up your street, then the West End Collective is offering three-day online courses for children, teenagers or adults, who can sign up and learn routines for West End shows.

Kelly, who has teamed up with actors Katy Hanna and Sasha Wareham to run the business, added: “We are excited to announce that our next West End Experience autumn school is in the October half term. We will be doing shows such as Grease, We Will Rock You and Les Miserables, with an additional Hamilton workshop! Please get in touch soon for more information or to secure a space.”

For West End Collective, email: [email protected]

For more information on Elliot Collins Personal Training, visit: www.elliotcollins.co.uk

Related topics:West End