This year, I decided to take a step outwith my comfort zone and work in something I had no familiarity with. Through a 6-day intensive course, I went from being a complete novice in sword-fighting to sitting a British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat (BASSC) test in the use of the Swashbuckling Rapier, where I achieved a pass!

I am immensely grateful to Rob Myles at Stage Combat Scotland, who led the classes. He and the group I worked with were so talented and patient, making the week such a pleasant experience despite the demanding work.