VALERY REVA
Actor - Creator - Director - Drama Tutor
Actor
Valery Reva is a London-based actor and performer. Prior to moving to the UK to complete MA Acting course in Mountview (graduated in 2022), Valery grew up and trained in Ukraine where she received a BA degree and subsequently went on to spend ten years working professionally within TV and theatre, including two years as a company member of the Lesya Ukrainka National Theatre in Kyiv.
Theatre credits include Theatre Deli (2026), Union Theatre (2025), the SE Fest (2024), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2024, 2023), the Camden Fringe (2023), Sujirya Theatre (Kyiv, 2020-2021), Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre (Kyiv, 2017-2019), "Black Square" Improv Theatre (2011-2013). Screen Credits include Commercials and TV Series, such as "Call" (2021, Ukraine), " Track" (2020, Ukraine), "Blood Brothers" (2019, Ukraine).
Represented by Victoria Steven Management.
Slide 1 of 4
Monologue Reels
"Lungs" by by Duncan Macmillan and "At Least I'm Not Bald" by Valery Reva
'Medea' Written by Euripides and Translated by Ben Power
Creator
Valery embarked on her theatre making journey 15 years ago, initiating improvised shows at Theatre Black Square in Kyiv. This early experience laid the groundwork for her distinctive approach to theatre, prioritising spontaneity and creativity in the creative process.
As Valery's career progressed, she delved into devising, showcasing her ability to collaboratively create and shape performances. A notable example of this was "Alice’s Dreams" at Suzirya Theatre in Kyiv, a contemporary reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll’s "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." These skills were also applied while directing student shows in the Black Square Drama Studio.
In the MA Acting programme at Mountview, Valery crafted her first solo performance, 'Please (no) Trauma,' delving into the complexities of trauma on and off the stage. This experience paved the way for her debut as a writer with 'in|Secure,' initially presented and well-received at the Kaleidoscope Theatre Festival in February.
'in|Secure' (2023) is a darkly comic one-woman show that challenges audiences with poignant questions about the ongoing War in Ukraine – questions that may be uncomfortable but are essential to explore. Through the performance, Valery asks the audience to ponder profound moral dilemmas: Does a refugee, striving to feed her child, have more or less right to share her story than a soldier on the front lines? In times of conflict and crisis, when lives are at stake, are we allowed to miss posting selfies to Instagram or sipping a cup of takeaway coffee? Who holds the permission to complain, and who deserves to feel the weight of guilt?
The show delves into the heart of 21st-century warfare, where individual narratives play as significant a role, if not more so, than traditional media. The stories in "in|Secure" are drawn from the experiences of Valery's own Facebook friends, individuals who shared their stories online and, like any content online, faced judgment and commentary.
This show is a unique blend of audience participation, music, comedy and vulnerable drama: it underscores the complexity of surviving war without a universally accepted playbook.
'At Least I'm Not Bald' (2024) is Valery's second Fringe run show and it centres on the “big C”, the terrifying letter we all dread. What does it mean to have your life on the line? All that you care for and that you love put in jeopardy at the drop of a hat, a whisper in the dark, a word we all dread to hear.
Cancer is tough to go through and for anyone involved, friends, family, it can be a hard thing to go through. But this is a safe space and all are welcome here - At Least I’m Not Bald will take you on a journey on what it means to be alive. Based on the performer’s experience of surviving cancer and other cancer patients’ testimonies, the play discovers what it means to live when faced with heartbreaking tragedy.
We follow the poignant journey of a woman returning to her homeland of Ukraine for her annual check-up, only to face the shocking diagnosis of cancer. During her journey, she meets a variety of characters at the hospital while she prepares for surgery. As the anesthesia takes hold, she enters a captivating world where folklore, reality and storytelling blend into giant spectacle. This show will leave you stunned, crying and laughing in the face of death. And don’t forget the beaver.
Reviews
"In|Secure" garnered critical acclaim and audience attention. It enjoyed runs at the Golden Goose Theatre, participated in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and featured in the London Camden Fringe, receiving good reviews from both critics and the audience.
'
'At Least I'm Not Bald' received outstanding feedback during its London preview, earned 5-star reviews at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was selected to participate in the SE Fest at the Bridge House Theatre and the Jack Studio .
Current Project
"Bridget Jones Goes Wrong' Audience Feedback
Very female. Very London. Very raw. This is the story of a woman in her early thirties, emerging from the long aftertaste of lockdown and deciding it might be time to date again. But first, one must be ready. Staying in her room, ordering Greggs takeaway, and watching reality TV, she has quietly misplaced everything: her body, her confidence, herself. So begins a journey toward the “ideal” look - new weights, new Instagram, new diet… the right body, the right image, the right version to present to the world. It starts sensibly enough. It always does. But this is a show about what happens when the hunger to be seen, desired, and validated is pushed just a little too far.
A comic, bit scary, and quite an absurdist take on female image, dating, and loneliness in the city. In a city chasing perfection, who survives the hunt…and who ends up on the menu?
Being initially developed thanks to SHIFT+SPACE at Theatre Deli, and has since gained momentum with showcases at the Kaleidoscope Theatre Festival and Royalty Scratch at Stratford East.
Director
As a theatre director, Valery is drawn to human stories that explore connection, intimacy, and relationships under pressure. Her work centres on creating theatre that feels immediate and truthful. She is particularly interested in stories that unfold in complicated circumstances, where humour, vulnerability, and contradiction coexist.
Her directing credits include Sh*t or Sugar, RWR at Theatre503 (2026), The Kitchen Table at Arches Lane Theatre (2025), Swallow at The Hope Theatre (2025), Good for Her (rehearsed reading) at Barons Court Theatre (2024), Take Only What Is Most Important at Finborough Theatre (2024), Rubbish: Balloon, Straw, and Shoe (co-directing) at the University of Kent (2024), Seven Stories (2020) and Breakfast Club (2019) with Black Square Theatre Youth Company in Kyiv.
Her full-scale directing debut, The Village Where No One Suffers by Polina Polozhentseva, was critically acclaimed and received a Standing Ovation nomination at the London Pub Theatres Awards.
Drama Tutor
Valery is a dedicated and versatile Drama Tutor with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. Since 2017, she has worked with groups and provided one-on-one tutelage for a range of ages. Her journey in the field of education and drama has taken her across several countries, providing her with a unique blend of pedagogical and practical skills.
Valery's experience includes serving as a drama tutor at diverse educational institutions and theater organisations, including: CK Summer Stage School and Camp (Burgas, Bulgaria), The Conservatoire, Blackheath (London, UK), Les Kurbas Center (Kyiv, Ukraine), Drama Studio "Black Square" (Kyiv, Ukraine), Self-made Artschool (Kyiv, Ukraine).
Valery's teaching expertise encompasses a wide array of areas, including Drama, Text Analysis, Character Work, Voice, Improvisation, Acting for Camera, Audition Preparation, Monologues, Scene Work, Improvisation, Public Speaking, and various acting techniques such as Chekhov, Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, Meisner, Katie Mitchell, Practical Aesthetics, and more.
Comprehensive Expertise
Strong background in both education and drama that equips her with flexibility in applying various techniques
Tailored Approach
Adaptability in tailoring the teaching techniques to meet the unique needs of individual students
Passion and Enthusiasm
Wholehearted dedication to assisting each student in reaching their full potential
Feedback
Unique classes
Valery Reva was my supervisor for a creative competition preparation. She was able to find an individualised approach and work plan for me - a person who needed both a basic theory of knowledge about culture and art and practical skills.
The work was done systematically and emotionally involved - in addition to professional training, I also had the opportunity to develop as a person with her. Always when I needed support, Valery could recognise it, even in my pseudo-confidence.
I believe that Valery Reva's approach to work, ability to be a leader, and personal human qualities make her classes unique.
Olha, Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg, Film Bereich/department
Knowledgeable and empathetic
I took Valery’s 'Voice and Verse' class in 2023 when I was challenged with public speaking responsibilities.
Valery helped improve my audience engagement and communication skills. She is knowledgeable and empathetic in her approach, coaching me through the self discovery process while adding valuable insight and guidance to accelerate my learning
Winnie, Director Media and Digital Marketing, London
Makes you fall in love with the art
Valery radically influenced my youth, and therefore my career choice.
I remember the several years spent at the Black Square Drama Studio under the mentorship of Valery as years of rapid development, both professional and personal.
I was won over by honesty towards myself and others. In my opinion, this is the most important quality for mastering a craft like acting.
It is not often that you meet people so dedicated to their work, devoting themselves to their profession wholeheartedly. It delights, infects, and makes you fall in love with the art.
Matviy, Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Karyi University of Theatre, Cinema and Television, Documentary and non-fiction Directing Department
Would highly recommend
Valery taught me voice and verse techniques at Blackheath Conservatoire. She helped me to perfect my warm up and prep for public speaking engagements, which resulted in a more confident and authentic speaking style.
Valery tailors her teaching to each student’s strengths and is able to empathetically critique to encourage key improvements across all areas of delivery.
I would highly recommend Valery as a tutor for anyone looking to improve their corporate or dramatic performances.
Alice, Head of Member Engagement at SMMT, London