Helen Landau
Author and Playwright
Background
Helen Landau has been involved in theatre, film and TV for many years, has directed and performed in Africa (film) Berlin, Hong Kong and the UK. Retired from a career in corporate design, she came back full circle into theatre and fell into writing driven by true stories from the family in Eastchurch of the early flying pioneers.
Following the success of her book "The Birth of British Aviation', her latest play 'Pigs Can Fly' published in March 2019 tells the story of the early flying pioneers led by Charles Rolls and the engineering exploits of the Short Brothers and their battle to gain recognition from the Government Is is to be performed at the Jet Age Museum Gloucestershire and a One act play of 'Pigs Can Play' at the Stroud Theatre Festival in September. She has already embarked on a film script based on the true stories of the early pioneers, 'Ten Years'.
Watch this space!
Background before book and plays
Helen Landau born 7th August in Dublin (Anglo Irish)
Helen spent her childhood in Ghana. She joined the film industry in East Africa as a production assistant, location driver and bit part actress. Helen then worked in a Textile Company in Hong Kong designing evening wear. When she returned to the UK she trained in Textiles and Soft Furnishing Manufacture. She qualified to become a member of the AMU - Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers.
Having completed her training Helen started her own Interior Design/Building Works Company, 'Helen Swaffer Interior Design'. Helen's company employed 25 tradesmen and 8 ladies in a soft furnishing workroom. Her clients included the Gidleigh Park Hotel and The Royal Berkshire, Ascot, which led her to employment in the City with Bain Hogg Management Limited, Lloyds Chambers, and their branches.
Helen retired to Cheltenham 23 years ago. She has worked as a volunteer For Cheltenham Community Projects and BIBIC (British Institute for Brain Injured Children). She used her lifetime skills to produce fund raising shows for the charities which led to a new career in writing, see further on.
Life - other than book and plays
In her spare time Helen enjoys golf and joined Cirencester Golf Club, becoming Lady Captain in 2010 (Centenary Year). She also joined CODs (Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society) finale - Madame Arcati, in Blithe Spirit.
Helen is married to an ex Lt. Colonel, who has recently completed another Charity 15,000' Sky dive!