Episode 5: Changing the Game: Access and inclusion in UK theatres – Part 1

5 Nov 2021

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In this episode we talk to two female powerhouses in the UK theatre and disability landscape.

Sarah Holmes is Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. As Sarah prepares to hand over the baton to a new Chief Executive after nearly 21 years at the helm, we talk about the responsibilities of theatre leaders in making change – so that theatre is truly accessible and inclusive of everyone. We find out how Sarah’s impatience for change and an impromptu conversation in a graveyard, led to the game-changing Ramps On The Moon project.  Oh, and we hear about a panto cow getting on a bus.

 

Our second conversation is with Michele Taylor. Michele advocates for change in the theatre industry at every level, from being Director for Change for the Ramps on the Moon project, to advising funders and Government, and being co-author of the influential Seven Principles for an Inclusive Recovery document.  Michele talks about the importance of continuing the conversation even if it’s not perfect, why she hates the phrase ‘Access is being invited to the party and Inclusion is being asked to dance’, and explains what she means by being ‘on the edge where disability and the mainstream meet.’

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If you would like Sue to unwrap a theatre story for you, or if you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop her a line at shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk

Listen to all the Theatre Unwrapped episodes here

Download the Episode 5 Theatre Unwrapped Transcript

The New Wolsey Theatre is supported by Arts Council England, Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.