Home > Our Presenters
UniSmart draws on the talents of a group of international performers, each of whom come with a range of skills. Professionally trained and incredibly experienced, each performer delivers a well-rehearsed, impeccably timed and tightly scripted presentation in a way that bubbles with energy, enthusiasm and spontaneity.
Conrade Rivalland, Lizzie Tollemache, Darren Thorpe, Briega Young, and Rowan Wilson-Davey represent a veritable league of nations – Mauritius, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK – and an abundance of theatre, comedy and performance skills.
Lizzie, is an award-winning entertainer whose love of the carnival tradition influences her approach to producing and performing original shows. A veteran of the improvised and scripted theatre and stage scene, Lizzie has been wowing crowds on pavements and performance venues throughout the world ever since she left the school where her careers counsellor advised her “Drama is a nice hobby, but you can’t make a living off it. Go to university and get a real job.” Original, feisty and fantastic, Lizzie is used to surprising people (including her careers advisor).
After graduating drama school in 2016 Darren was eager to add the role of ‘UniSmart Presenter’ to his performance curriculum vitae. The West Yorkshire boy is a veteran of two Edinburgh Fringe festivals and a number of stage performances. He is also a talented writer and producer and since graduating from drama school, he has gone on to write for radio and theatre.
Briega’s experience ranges across stage and screen, from the Melbourne Fringe Festival to musical theatre and live media. She trained as a vocalist, and joined UniSmart in 2018. Briega is now excited to help reach students and make a positive impact on the world. Her attitude and energy make her a valuable asset to the presenting team.
Conrade is a decorated performance veteran who has performed everywhere from the Edinburgh Festival, to Glastonbury, the Edmonton Fringe and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After impressing the Directors with his street show, Conrade now forms a senior part of the Presenting Team and lends his skills directing new talent for UniSmart.
Rowan first joined the Presenting Team for the 2019 UK Tour. Coming from a teaching and IT background, he wanted to find a better way to make a difference. UniSmart was the perfect fit. A natural performer, Rowan is now focussed on being a force for change by communicating positive, useful information to first-year students.
"The Presenter was lovely and very calm (even when I wasn’t!)."
Jenny Owen | Director of Education and Student Experience School of Arts and Creative Industries | London South Bank University
"Amazing Presenter, not the usual boring talk, awesome guy - loved it."
| Student | Bath Spa University
"It was hilarious and informative at the same time. The Presenter understands student experience."
| Student | University of Exeter
“This presentation was engaging, especially due to the charismatic lead presenter. Very vital information."
| Student | Bath Spa University
“UniSmart was completely unexpected, entirely engaging, fun and inclusive.”
| Student | University of Winchester
We accept experienced performers who are fit, vocally proficient, confident and smart. You must be able to take direction and act in an ultimately professional way - even under stress. Theatre, improvisation, comedy and physical theatre skills are an advantage. Experienced travellers get extra points.