Diversity in the Workforce

Martin is Head of Participation at Nottingham Playhouse, leading the team who create and run our wide ranging community engagement programme, including working with a large number of freelance artists.

Martin is also an experienced theatre and radio director, having directed 36 productions of various scales including work for young people, musicals, pantomimes and new writing.

“Theatre is for everyone. It’s vital we work to ensure every person knows the theatre is a safe and exciting place for them. Long-term commitment, transparency, open hearts and open minds can, and will, make that happen.”

Valerie has over 30 years’ experience in subsidised producing theatre administration and management, working for building-based and touring theatre companies (including Trestle Theatre Company, English Touring Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, Watford Palace Theatre and Hampstead Theatre). She has been at Nottingham Playhouse since 2006 where she is responsible for the administrative and HR function.

“Creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to be their true selves, is fundamental to Nottingham Playhouse’s core values. I am very grateful to the members of the Diversity in the Workforce Working Group for being so generous with their time, expertise and support in this vital work.”

Stacey has been a part of our Front of House Team for over 4 years. She also has more than ten years experience providing support to Nottinghamshire residents, including: supporting young people to volunteer at BTCV, supporting the voluntary sector at Nottingham CVS and working with adults with complex needs at Improving Lives. Stacey currently works in Economic Development at Nottingham City Council, helping young people with health conditions and disabilities into employment and training. Having visited Nottingham Playhouse since she was a child, Stacey has a keen interest in our continuing growth.

Natalie has lived in Nottingham since birth and fell in love with the theatre at a young age thanks to early childhood visits with her parents.

Natalie established a strong business reputation within Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire whilst at the Federation of Small Businesses, working to strengthen small businesses and ensure their fair representation. She subsequently spent time as a Civil Servant working to drive and support the Midlands Engine. Keen to return closer to local delivery she is now Head of Operations at D2N2 LEP.

Natalie is a member of our Board of Trustees, and is a firm believer that theatre opens minds, drives creativity and brings innovation to people and communities.

Natalie lives with her daughter Evie and husband Matthew, she enjoys travel and discovering new wines.

“The most dynamic and creative workplaces have diverse workforces.  It is the coming together of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and individual identities that lead to a richness in organisations that can’t be replicated without diversity.  I am proud to be a part of a group that is committed to increasing the percentage of permanent staff from ethnic diverse backgrounds within the Playhouse, as well as contributing to additional work that recognises diversity in itself doesn’t create inclusive spaces.”

“My long term goal within this group is to show and convince those from minority backgrounds that a fulfilling career awaits them within this sector. I hope to inspire the next generation that there is scope for change and real prospects within this industry.

I am proud to be a part of this conversation towards changing minds and attitudes with this group. The greatest discovery of all time is that one can change their future by merely changing their attitude.”

Frances graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature in 2016. After graduating, she worked in small business marketing and joined Nottingham Playhouse initially as an Usher for the pantomime season. She has held the role of Administration Assistant at Nottingham Playhouse since 2017.

“Diversity is fundamental to creating safe workspaces where everyone feels valued, accepted and able to reach their full potential. In a sector where progress has been far too slow, I am pleased to be part of a group and organisation committed to delivering sustainable, measurable change.”

Adam Penford trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), and is now Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse. His directorial credits for the venue include: Holes (UK Tour), An Enemy of the People, Coram Boy, The Madness of George III and Wonderland.

“Theatre has been much too slow in tackling the barriers which have allowed under-representation to persist in the sector. The time for change is now. The work can be complicated, and occasionally frustratingly slow, but it’s essential. I’m so grateful to the working group members for their generosity, passion and kindness.”

Neena has many years experience as a board level Human Resources professional. Having worked with some of the UK’s most well known companies, she now runs her own HR and Coaching consultancy in Nottingham. She studied English at Loughborough University and is a regular theatre goer. Being passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, she strongly believes that going to the theatre should be something which is accessible to and enjoyable for everyone. Neena joined Nottingham Playhouse’s Board in 2018.

“I look forward to welcoming a more diverse range of people to a workforce in which everyone’s differences and unique experiences are shared, valued and celebrated enabling them and the Playhouse to reach their full potential.”

Stephanie has 25 years experience of running theatres and a further 4 years experience of programming theatres. Her career includes stints as a Stage Manager in rep, an actress, theatre critic, court reporter and comedy club compere.

She has worked on all scales from a small-scale arts centre to a 1,500 seat SOLT venue. She has been programming dance since working at Sadler’s Wells under both Tim Tubbs and Nigel Hinds, and was a founder member of Dance Touring Partnership. She has run the Merlin Theatre, Frome, Blackpool Grand Theatre and, for the past 19 years, Nottingham Playhouse covering small-scale touring, middle-scale presenting and running a producing house. Nottingham Playhouse was a founder member of Eclipse Theatre Consortium and Ramps on the Moon under Stephanie’s leadership.

She is Vice President of UK Theatre, Vice Chair of Parents and Carers in Performing Arts and, at a local level, she sits on the ONE Nottingham Board and is an Ambassador for Inspiring Future Theatre.

Dr. Aness Webster is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham. She specialises in Feminist and Anti-Racist Philosophy, focusing on how oppression (including lived experiences of oppression) affects how we should conceptualise agency, autonomy and well-being.

“As a philosopher of race and racism, I am thrilled to do my part to make the world a more just and equitable place. To achieve social justice, we must not only have difficult and challenging conversations, but make real changes. I value our commitment to making Nottingham Playhouse a safer place where everyone, especially those who have faced barriers due to systematic and institutional racism, can thrive.”

Josephine is committed to social justice and has worked for over 20 years developing and delivering community-led and Government approaches to reducing poverty.  She currently works as a Commissioner on Government funded Rough Sleeping Initiatives and Domestic Sexual Violence Services.

Josephine is passionate about dance, having trained as a Contemporary Dancer, and is a Performing Arts alumna of De Montfort University. She has combined her freelance creative skills with her extensive work experience and is the founder of the company Awaken2 Ltd which offers a different approach to EDI – by empowering the individual to overcome barriers and challenges through resilience skills and movement.

She enjoys spending time with her children; has completed a number of property renovations and hopes when able to walk to the summit of Snowden (Llanberis Path).

“I’m pleased to be part of conversations and actions to create safer working spaces for those persons who face systemic barriers due to their race and who want to work at Nottingham Playhouse.”