Bev Shalts

Bev is a founder member and co- ordinater of Tentacle, and has many years of experience working in theatre, opera and ballet, film and TV.

After achieving her degree, she began her career as Head of Costume Props Department at Leicester Haymarket Theatre, specialising in building large musicals for West End transfer.
She was soon involved in additional projects, and became freelance, creating her own workshop.

She's an expert in pattern cutting, dyeing, and all things to do with fabric, plastics and rubber. Her other specialisms are in making animal heads and masks, direct modelling and mouldmaking: anything from cute and comic to ultra realistic.

The decision was made to transfer the business to Amsterdam 10 years ago, in order to be closer to European work contacts.
This enabled the workshop to increase in both size and capabilities.Bev runs the workshop, co-ordinating a team of freelance workers, as well as working hands-on as part of the team.

Mike Petty

A classically trained sculptor, Mike has over 25 years experience in the field of sculpture and props since graduating as a Batchelor of Arts with Honours in Sculpture.

For many years he was head of the busy Props Department at the Haymarket Theatre.
Also an accomplished painter in oils, his work takes pride of place in private houses, hotels and government buildings around the world. He is an expert mould maker, and has trained in bronze casting. He works regularly with wood, metal, plaster, latex, poly foam and fibreglass.

Having worked for the BBC and award-winning designer Eiko Ishioka, he's created effects for "King Arthur" and has been kept very busy recently with building scenery for events and television,
latex castings and mouldmaking.