Sheila trained as a dance teacher on the Royal Academy of Dancing's three year course, then taught ballet, ballroom and Latin American for a few years before marriage, a child, and a move to Sussex got in the way.

She was involved in Market Research for Mass Observation for some time, sold books on a party plan scheme, and spent several years working as an interviewer at Gatwick Airport on the International Passenger Survey.

Taking up theatre reviewing happened several years ago and almost by accident, beginning with Theatreworld, What's on Stage, UK Theatrenet, The West Sussex County Times and now the British Theatre Guide.