New Adventures

Mary
Mar 21, 2021
3 min read

My good friend Iona Stewart-Richardson is the real-life Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is naturally playful and curious. She loves storytelling and has a deep passion for the arts and performing. We have shared many wonderful times at drama school, where we met, and out in the world since.

”DO NOT OVER-THINK IT” - that’s Iona’s biggest life lesson from her time at drama school. It’s true - although it’s sometimes easier said than done, over-thinking often leads to unnecessary worry and self-doubt. I think this is a testament to her deciding to follow a new adventure, in a new place, with new challenges.

She left the busy bustle of London and braved a move to the Isle of Wight in June 2019 to follow a new path - a career in journalism. Although her dabble in journalism began nearly 10 years ago at Radio Jackie, where she did work experience, read the news, and was then offered a job as the breakfast newsreader.

However, she says, it was only since her move to the Isle of Wight that she has really learnt what it means to be a journalist.

Working as a Broadcast Journalist at the Isle of Wight Radio, Iona has covered so many interesting, entertaining and heart-warming stories, and she radiates personality with each and every story, she said:

“I am naturally curious, love storytelling, people and politics - which is why I adore journalism and being a reporter on the Isle of Wight. I also strive to tell positive news stories - looking for fun and original ones.”

She warns that the Isle of Wight is a small place, but this has worked in Iona’s favour. She’s managed to make lots of connections, contacts and is continuing to learn as much as she can - even during COVID times. She added:

”I’ve learnt that if you focus on the simple pleasures life gives you - good things will come. It’s so important to live in the present...I am in a totally different place now than I was two years ago and a different person.”

Just going for it and making the move was one of the best things she’s done, as it gave her the confidence to live independently and start a new adventure. She has seen a huge change in herself and her development.

During the pandemic, Iona has been very lucky to live in one of Britain’s most scenic places, often sending me pictures at the beautiful beaches and making me very jealous! ”I am lucky that I can do different walks across the Island,” she says, “and being a journalist makes you a key worker so I’ve still been able to go into the office for half the day at least, but obviously it’s not the same and life is still very different.“

Iona has always had a passion for performing and being on stage. Even as a toddler she was always dressing up as different characters! She remembers playing Tigger which was quite possibly her “debut to date“. However, the highlight of her creative life so far is playing Margaret Thatcher whilst speaking the harrowing words of Lady MacBeth from a 10 foot balcony, with demonic red lighting and a smoke machine. This was during a performance about British Identity we were both in at East 15 Acting School, and I also remember it as a stand-out moment! Iona has trained in Clowning, and can’t wait to get back on the stage - she says she has a few things up her sleeve for the future so keep your eyes peeled!

Follow where your passions take you, try not to over-think it, and who knows what tomorrow will bring...

Huge thank you to Iona for letting me share her story!