Candid Fruit is a group of arts-based trainers who use drama & theatre, music, and visual arts as a different way into personnel training. We design and run training events, workshops, conference sessions.

We aim to create an environment where people in organisations can look at what’s really going on, find out what they want, know what’s possible, and move forward together, through a shared arts experience.

Whether it’s building a group, creating better communication, or working with a particular issue, we can use the arts to provide an opportunity for people to think differently, explore new aspects of themselves, and widen horizons.

Candid Fruit is:

Arts-Based Trainers:

• Jess Davies & Associates - theatre & visual arts
• Joss Peach - music & drumming
• Chris Stagg & Associates - theatre arts

Associated artists:

• Jane Fordham - painter & mosaicist
• David Parfitt - sculptor
• Greg Daville - writer & visual artist

Jess Davies is an arts-based trainer with a background in acting, theatre directing and teaching theatre arts. She works in association with Candid Fruit, Arts & Business and Astar Management Consultants.

Since 1997 she has been involved with Theatre-in-Training, using theatre and drama as a basis for learning, debate, and raising awareness.
Jess is famous for creating a friendly, trusting atmosphere in groups of people very quickly.

Jess is also a certified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner, and has trained in NVC (Non-Violent Communication) and meditation.
Organisations she has worked with include:

Hewlett-Packard, the Department for Education and Employment, the Home Office, St Paul Insurance and Risk, Solvay Health Care, FDS Field Marketing, OPRA, The Children's Society, Cultural Enterprise Office (Glasgow), Surrey County Council, Allied Domecq, Brighton Dome, Fabrica Art Gallery, [a-n] The Artists Information Company.

Joss Peach is a highly versatile musician and composer who is known for creating a warm, fun and exciting atmosphere in his sessions. He teaches in a variety of contexts, leading group drumming workshops and motivational programmes.

He is also a brilliant jazz pianist who spends his evenings in hot, smoky clubs making great sounds along with his trio of music comrades.

"Your drumming workshop was fantastic, everyone came out of each session buzzing - we could do with that kind of energy every morning!!" (Bass Breweries)

"You were so inspiring and your enthusiasm rubbed off on us all." (Theme Traders)

Chris Stagg is an arts-based trainer who spent many years in theatre work as a writer and director. Later he taught theatre arts for several years at Brighton City College.

He became particularly interested in change management, and has been working with organisations for five years.

He has a warm and friendly training style, (and a very amusing dry wit!).
Organisations he has worked with include: Eurotunnel Plc., Allied Domecq Plc., Quest International Plc., Executive Support Group Ltd., OPRA, West Sussex Social Services.