Our Board

New Writing, Contemporary plays and a re-imagining of the classics all provide a template to produce thought provoking and innovative work. As artists we have the platform to respond to the socio-political climate and explore, for example, issues causing the polarisation of our society. Reflections and representations are powerful tools that can heal and create a sense of belonging.

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Jessica was the founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Deli. Prior to working full time with the company she worked for 8 years in TV and most recently was Producer / Director on the Great British Bake Off for the BBC.

Javaad Alipoor is a Artist, writer and Artistic Director of the Javaad Alipoor Company. He is a former ACE Changemaker and was Resident Associate Director at Sheffield Theatres (2017/18) where he directed a new adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest for The Crucible, and prior to this was Associate Director at Theatre in the Mill from 2015 to 2017.

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Matthew Xia was appointed Artistic Director of Actors Touring Company in November 2018. Matthew is one of the busiest and most exciting directors in the UK. He is a former Associate Artistic Director of Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; Director in Residence at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse; Associate Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East. He is currently an Associate Artist at Nottingham Playhouse.

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Mary Caws has a leadership track record as Executive Director of Dance Umbrella, The Dukes, Watford Palace Theatre, and Theatre Royal Stratford East. She has also been interim/fixed term ED/CEO at the Young Vic, Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Oldham Coliseum, Tobacco Factory Theatres, and Oxford Playhouse.  At Watford, she managed a successful £8m capital refurbishment, and during her time at Stratford East secured a major corporate hire during the 2012 Olympics. Mary is also a mentor.