After some ten years as a lecturer in Victorian literature, Hugh ran away for a career in theatre, training to be an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. 

 

His first performed play, Diary of a Nobody, was staged at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton, in 2011; it has since been published by Nick Hern Books.

 

His adaptation of Rainbow Rocks, part of Hasbro's Equestria Girls franchise, toured internationally in 2016.

 

He was commissioned in 2000, by Charisma International, to write the book for Obayya, the first musical ever to be conceived and staged in Saudi Arabia.

 

As an actor, he has appeared in numerous West End and No.1 touring plays and musicals.