Author Q&A: Davina Cooke

Author/ Bookish Everybody
4 August 2026

Davina Cooke is the founder of Treasure Chest Theatre, which produces original theatre for children. Cooke has songwriter, playwright, producer, director, mime artist, host, voice actor and university lecturer in her repertoire and has performed as an actress at the Drury Lane Theatre Royal, Royal Albert Hall; and at the Edinburgh Festival among many other. She loves creating shows and sharing her passion for authentic expression.

How did you become a writer?

I always loved reading, and after the success of my first play, it seemed a natural step to turn the play into kids book, The Trip.

The book is an exciting journey of self discovery and intergalactic exploration, in which the reader joins Captain Nah Nah and her intrepid space crew as they navigate the cosmos in search of a way home after crash-landing on a mysterious planet. Along the way, Team Beyond face various stressors. However, they learn to combat their anxieties together.

What would you be doing otherwise?

I like to keep growing and experimenting with everything I am able to do. I’d love to live as many lives as possible – FBI agent, astronaut, scuba diver, working with animals, fighting for justice on a flotilla.

Of the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

The characters in the book are aliens and I loved giving them life and backgrounds that go beyond what’s written on the page.

Tell us about your writing method. Is there a secret?

I write songs so I think that had a big influence in this story, keeping a patter and rhythm to the words and consonants. Saying it out loud, trying different voices and intonations.

Which author, alive or dead, would you most like to meet?

Marcus Aurelius [Roman Emperor from 161–180 CE, who recorded his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy, now published under the name Meditations].

Tell us about your favourite bookshop in the world.

There’s one in LA it’s called The Last Bookstore and it’s incredible- they have lots of different events and even an incredible book cave!

What advice would you give your younger, writer self?

Keep going you’re on the right path!

You can buy a signed copy of The Trip from the Treasure Chest Theatre website here.

About the Author

Bookish Everybody

Books and reading are too often on the periphery. Enter: Bookish Everybody, a one-stop community of book enthusiasts to read or write reviews, join read-alongs, buy/sell/give books and join our competitions to win books: www.bookisheverybody.com.