Merle Wheldon

Merle is an award-winning theatre director based in London. She is particularly passionate about platforming stories that centre on the lived experiences of women, as well as championing emerging women and non-binary writers. From 2021 to 2025, Merle was Co-Artistic Director of the Bomb Factory, where she curated new writing programmes and events at venues including the Bush Theatre. 

In 2025, Merle won the John Fernald Award for Emerging Directors and the Bitesize Award for Best Director for her production of FLUSH. She was also nominated for Best Director at the Broadway World UK/West End Awards for her production of THE WATCH. 

Select Reviews:

★★★★★ "The direction of Wheldon is sharp, energetic, and phenomenally uncomfortable in all the right ways” - The Theatre Reviewer, FLUSH

★★★★★ "Merle Wheldon directs with vision and sensitivity, bringing the buzzy script to life tightly and effectively" - BingeFringe, FLUSH

★★★★★ "Director Merle Wheldon paces the piece beautifully, winding it forward with precision. An exceptional example of what fringe theatre can achieve" - Theatre Weekly, THE WATCH

★★★★ "Merle Wheldon's direction shines" - West End Best Friend, DA VINCI'S LAUNDRY