Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in a Playhouse seat as a little girl, completely spellbound by the worlds unfolding on stage. Those New Year’s Eve performances became rituals of renewal for me — moments where imagination, possibility and hope collided.

As I got older, the Everyman became just as formative. Its bistro was a hub of ideas and community, a place where conversations stretched for hours and where people of all ages and backgrounds came together through a shared love of theatre. That sense of belonging stayed with me.

This early exposure to storytelling shaped everything that followed — from studying English Literature, to joining a drama society, to becoming a radio reporter, TV producer and TV programme editor. Long before I recognised it, storytelling had quietly become my profession. Later, in local and regional government, it became my way of helping leaders bring their ideas to life.

When I returned to my home city of Liverpool seven years ago, joining the board — and later serving as Co Vice Chair — felt like reconnecting with something essential. To now serve as Chair is an immense privilege.

But it comes at a critical time for the arts.

Drama teaching is being squeezed. Rising costs mean fewer school trips. Young people from working class backgrounds face higher barriers to creative careers. And the cultural funding landscape continues to shift.

That’s why strong, values driven governance matters more than ever.

My commitment is simple:
to champion these theatres, support our exceptional Executive team, nurture and grow our audiences, and ensure that the next generation sees the Everyman and Playhouse as places where they truly belong.

We must protect what makes these theatres special — their boldness, their imagination, their commitment to community — while making sure future audiences, particularly young people and those who may not see theatre as ‘for them’, feel welcomed and represented.

Regional theatre opened up the world to me as a child.

As Chair, I’m determined to help open it for the next generation.