~ 'LGBTQ+ inclusive' Weddings, Funerals and Naming ~
Author: Mark Inscoe
Mark is an experienced actor, singer and voice artist.
With a long career in West End Musical Theatre, I have enjoyed roles as diverse as Henry Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady’, and Dean Martin in ‘The Ratpack, Live From Las Vegas’, to Lumiere in ‘Disney’s Beauty & The Beast’ and Bernadette in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’! I played Captain Von Trapp & Max in various productions of ‘The Sound of Music’, Magaldi in ‘Evita’, Grantaire in ‘Les Miserables’, Raoul in ‘The Phantom of The Opera’, John/Samson in the original London cast of ‘Sunset Boulevard’, Judge Turpin in 20th-anniversary production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ in London and More recently, portrayed Florenz Ziegfeld in ‘Funny Girl’, in Paris for 6 months.I f I frequently appear as Dean Martin in cabaret both at home and abroad.
In 2022, he brought his critically acclaimed one-man show, ‘The World in Words and Music According to Coward & Porter’ to the legendary Crazy Coqs, in London.
I have voiced numerous corporate videos, gaming, commercials and narrative for television and radio. These include campaigns for E Harmony, Qatar Airways, McCoy’s Firepit Crisps, RSPCA, Vodafone; Documentary narration including ‘Secrets of the Human Body’ (BBC), ‘Extinction, Life on the Brink’ (Smithsonian Channel), ‘Ghosts, Trapped Underground’ (Discovery). I have recorded NPC characters for a number of big franchise Games including the BAFTA winning ‘Divinity, Original Sin II’. Other clients include FT.com, IBM, Halfords, Sony, Sotherbys, Odeon Cinemas, Paco Rabanne (voicing a meditation for their official website!).
“Several attendees commented on how well Mark had conducted the ceremony…. We feel so blessed to have had Mark at our side.”
“he is an excellent professional…. a person with empathy and true feelings for the people that he is dealing with…..Mark went beyond our expectations and is highly recommended.”
“From meeting Mark for the first time…. he was very welcoming.. He made me and my brother feel comfortable..”
“What a wonderful celebrant…I would certainly recommend Mark to anybody wishing for a caring , sensitive and loving service for their loved one.”
“Mark certainly went above and beyond. I cannot praise Mark enough….Strongly recommend Mark – 5* is not enough.”
“Mark did a brilliant job, preparation was stress-free….he delivered a personal and fitting service on the day.”
Following a successful Celebrant Conference in Nottingham at The Village Hotel, Beeston, I am thrilled, as civilcelebrantsussex, with the feedback from my Workshop in Body Language. I am also so happy to have received a nomination in the BEST FUNERAL CELEBRANT category – I congratulate all of the worthy winners in all categories. Thank you to the entire AOIC team for your continued support and friendship.
As Mark Inscoe @civilcelebrantsussex, I am delighted to be asked by the AOIC to present a Workshop as part of their annual conference 2025. This will be held on Saturday, September 27th, at The Village Hotel, Beeston, Nottingham.
‘First Impressions – a workshop in body language’
In your role as celebrant, you need to give your clients confidence in your ability by presenting a calming and confident presence. Body language is a natural and often subconscious energy which we all display. It is said that around 70-90% of communication is unspoken, but rather how we physically interact and read one another. Couples and Funeral celebrant Mark Inscoe has an understanding of the importance of body language, in his long career as a professional actor. Through this interactive workshop, improve your awareness of how we read one another when meeting new clients.
This workshop will be included alongside the wonderful Justine Coombs @justinecelebrantuk, Tina Naldrett & Simon Savage, Kirstie Atherton and Obitus & Westerleigh.
The highlight of the Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner will be the Annual Celebrant Awards Ceremony 2025, and I am delighted to have been nominated in the Best Funeral Celebrant category.
A wonderful editorial featuring myself, @markinscoe (Civil Celebrant Sussex), from journalist Jackie Brown in the July ’25 edition of the national publication ‘SAGA MAGAZINE’, about older people from diverse careers retraining as celebrants with Civil Celemonies Ltd.
What are the unique benefits of having a Civil Celebrant with a West-End Musical Theatre Background?
Imagine your ceremony being created and delivered by an experienced West-End actor/singer.
My name is Mark Inscoe; but I have been known as Raoul, Grantaire, Henry Higgins, King Richard the Lionheart, Dean Martin, Lumiere and even Bernadette!
Now, I am a fully trained, Brighton-based civil celebrant creating and delivering couples ceremonies, weddings, commitments, vow renewals; also funeral and celebration of life ceremonies and naming ceremonies. I cover not only Sussex, but have worked further afield, nationally and internationally, including destination weddings in Mallorca.
I have enjoyed an extraordinary career, previously, performing in numerous musical theatre productions, many in London’s West End. Musicals including Les Miserables, The Phantom of The Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Ratpack Live from Las Vegas!
When it comes to planning a wedding or commitment ceremony, the choice of celebrant can make a significant difference in the overall experience. Imagine having a civil celebrant who not only brings professionalism and warmth to your ceremony, but also has a background in West-End musical theatre. This unique combination offers several benefits that can make your special day truly unforgettable.
Exceptional Presentation Skills
As a celebrant with a career in West-End musical theatre, I am no stranger to the stage. My experience in performing before large audiences means I possess exceptional presentation skills. I know how to project my voice, maintain eye contact, and engage with the audience, ensuring that every word of your ceremony is heard and felt by all present.
Creative Flair
Theatre professionals are inherently creative individuals. As a celebrant with a varied theatrical background, I can bring a touch of creativity and flair to your ceremony. Whether it’s through the use of dramatic pauses, expressive readings, or even incorporating elements of performance, I can craft a ceremony that is both unique and memorable.
Personalized Touch
One of the hallmarks of a great celebrant is their ability to personalize the ceremony to reflect the couple’s story and values. As a celebrant with a background in musical theatre, I am adept at storytelling and can weave your personal narrative into the ceremony in a way that resonates deeply with you and your guests. My ability to connect emotionally with the audience ensures that your ceremony feels intimate and heartfelt.
Confidence and Poise
Performing in the West-End requires a high level of confidence and poise. These qualities are invaluable in a celebrant, especially when unexpected situations arise. Whether it’s dealing with a sudden change in weather or calming pre-ceremony jitters, a celebrant with theatrical experience can handle any situation with grace and composure.
Enhanced Atmosphere
Theatre professionals understand the importance of atmosphere and ambience. As a celebrant with a background in musical theatre, I can help set the tone for your ceremony, creating an atmosphere that is both celebratory and solemn. My ability to read the room and adjust my delivery accordingly ensures that the ceremony flows smoothly and keeps everyone engaged.
Memorable Performances
If you’re looking to add a special touch to your ceremony, with my experience, I can offer a unique performance. Whether it’s singing a meaningful song, reciting a poem with dramatic flair, or even incorporating a short theatrical piece, my previous experience can add an extra layer of magic to your special day.
Professionalism and Reliability
Theatre professionals are known for their dedication and professionalism. As a celebrant with a West End background, I bring this same level of commitment to my role. You can trust that I will be well-prepared, punctual, and fully invested in making your ceremony a success.
Conclusion
Choosing a civil celebrant with a career in West-End musical theatre offers a range of benefits that can elevate your ceremony to new heights.
I have been asked to use my singing skill to add a different highlight to a couple’s celebration ceremony – for example;
While they were signing their souvenir certificate at their Vow Renewal ceremony, one couple asked if I would sing an significant song (‘She Wears My Ring’ by Elvis Presley) which had been played for their first dance, 30 years previously.
Another couple who had both been married before, were celebrating their marriage together. I sang ‘The Second Time Around’ by Frank Sinatra, the beautiful lyrics of which could have been written for them!
My presentation skills, creative flair, and ability to personalize the ceremony ensure that your special day is both memorable and meaningful. With my confidence, poise, and professional dedication, you can rest assured that your ceremony will be in capable hands, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your celebration.
Whether you are looking for an experienced Celebrant to create your perfect wedding Celebration, Commitment or Vow Renewal ceremony; or perhaps you are looking for the ideal Funeral Celebrant to compose and deliver with clarity and confidence, the perfect send-off for a beloved relative or friend; or maybe a trusted, enthusiastic Celebrant to welcome your new child into your family with a special Naming Ceremony – look no further than Mark Inscoe, a Brighton based, trained Celebrant, with a West End musical theatre and voice over background. Serving Sussex and the South East of England, but able to travel anywhere, nationally and internationally.
I understand, with costs going up in most areas of day-to-day living, when it comes to those special ceremonies to mark significant life events, money can be tight. 2024 has not been the easiest of years for many, and with the cost of living hit by unexpected rises due to national or international crises, some people are put off spending on luxury services such as celebrant-led ceremonies! But, these are unique, very special and deeply personal ceremonies, which will be remembered for a lifetime.
In light of these considerations, I have decided to maintain my celebrant service pricing at the current 2024 rates.
Come and meet me this Sunday 17th November, and let’s discuss how a Celebrant-led Ceremony can be the perfect choice to make your special day even more perfect! Your choices of content and your love story throughout your bespoke ceremony.
This year, 2024, marks the 110th anniversary of the start of The Great War, which began on the 28th July 1914. On this Armistice Day, we recall all of those brave souls lost during this conflict and all other wars, fighting heroically, to protect the deep principles of our good and civilised society.
As a funeral celebrant, I have had the real honour to write and conduct committal and celebration of life ceremonies, for many extraordinary people. I have learned of many extraordinary lives, but today, remember those departed whose lives and families were affected by war.
It is a privilege to work with those families and friends of the departed, families who confide in me and share so many personal histories, shared with pride and love and respect. One particular lady who had reached the grand age of 100. She and her sister had been rescued from certain death, when she was relocated from Mainz, Germany, at the age of 14 and sent to The Isle of Man. This was a part of the ‘Kindertransport’ programme, during the nine months prior to the onset of World War Two. Tragically, their parents, who were Jewish, were exterminated two years later by the Nazis. I had heard the term ‘Kindertransport’, but I learned much more in order to research this particular journey. Sadly, the sisters had to be seperated as they were fostered out, one to a family in Canada, and the other to Sussex.
Many others, whose funerals I have conducted, had experienced childhood affected by the Second World War, largely living under the threat of bombing by the German Luftwaffe, in London, Portsmouth and Liverpool. Some had lost parents and other relatives who had fought and died, or some who had returned deeply scarred, mentally or physically.
We Remember Them As the rising of the sun and at its going down… We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter… We remember them. At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring… We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer… We remember them. At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn… We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends… We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart… We remember them. When we have joy we crave to share We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make… We remember them. As long as we live they too will live, for they are now a part of us… And we remember them
Ronald Gittelsohn
(by experienced Funeral Celebrant Mark Inscoe (civilcelebrantsussex) – based in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex. I provide personalised, bespoke ceremonies for Funerals, Crematoria and Graveside Committals, Celebration of Life Ceremonies.)
This Sunday, 28th April, I am exhibiting my services as WEDDING CELEBRANT @civilcelebrantsussex at this charming rustic/chic venue just north of Worthing in West Sussex.
Come and meet me, your Wedding Celebrant Mark, and other wonderful local Sussex suppliers.
Let’s talk about creating your perfect day and the most special, personalised Wedding Celebration Ceremony, whether you’re using this venue or elsewhere. The joy of having a celebrant-led ceremony, is that you don’t need a licensed venue – you can have your ceremony anywhere!
With FREE Entry for all plus Goody Bags for engaged couples including a FREE copy of Your Sussex Wedding Magazine. All attendees can enter the competition to WIN a Honeymoon!
