On the day Philippe became eligible for a practising certificate, Guy Fawkes’ Day 1977, he set up the practice. A few months later the client list grew from three clients and no actors to five clients and two actors. This development chimed with Philippe’s own interest in the theatre and word of mouth brought new clients – actors, stage managers and theatre technicians of all kinds. One of these became Head of Technical Courses at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (‘LAMDA’) and invited Philippe to give an annual lecture on How To Survive the Tax System. Soon the lecture was also requested for the LAMDA actors. Other drama schools joined the bandwagon and the list now includes not only LAMDA but also Central School of Speech and Drama and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

The client base, while still predominantly from the world of theatre, has broadened to include television, film, opera, dance and stand-up comedy both on stage and backstage, in front of camera and behind it. Away from the performing arts, writers, painters, designers of all kinds have joined the client list.

Philippe’s loyal team has grown gradually over the years to include a Tax Manager and accounts preparation staff. The return of Philippe’s elder daughter, Mondane (ACA 2009), to the practice in 2012 was a welcome modernising influence and she became a partner in 2015. She is shaping the strategy of the practice as we face the challenges generated by the increasing digitalisation of tax and commercial activities and changes in the patterns of work of our clients and our team.