Joanne was born in York and first trod the boards at York Theatre Royal at the tender age of three in The Isobel Dunn School of Dancing’s production of Dance Flash.  This was the start of many appearances in York, including a memorable panto season as a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz with the then unknown Pierce Brosnan.

Having realised this was a passion, Joanne auditioned for The Guildford School of Acting aged fifteen - hoping to start the following year.  Although accepted on the three year Musical Theatre course, GSA suggested that Joanne was a little young to be leaving home and offered the place on condition that she delayed starting for a year.  Reluctantly, Joanne waited and finally took up her place for what turned out to be a wonderful three years in Guildford.