Shakespeare North Trust, the organisation that runs Shakespeare North Playhouse, has appointed four new trustees and a Deputy Chair, further strengthening its Board as it builds on recent successes.
Chris Brown has been appointed Deputy Chair, bringing continued leadership and experience to the Trust. Chris has been on the board for six years and his marketing and placemaking attributes have contributed greatly to the continued development and successes of Shakespeare North.
The four new trustees—Remi Adefeyisan, Natalie Gilmore, Michael Salla and Kate Tipton-Thomas—bring extensive experience across the cultural, charitable and public sectors. They join at a pivotal time as Shakespeare North Playhouse continues to strengthen its programming, deepen community engagement, and expand its cultural and educational impact across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
Remi Adefeyisan is Interim Head of Theatre at HOME Manchester, where he works closely with artists, touring companies and partner organisations to develop and deliver an ambitious programme. His producing credits include work presented at venues and festivals across the UK, including The Old Vic and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has collaborated with leading artists including Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah, and is a former Jerwood Fellow at Manchester International Festival.
Adefeyisan commented: “I am delighted to be on the board of Shakespeare North Playhouse. This venue has quickly become a corner stone of the community in Prescot and beyond. I am excited to be a part of this organisations journey as a trustee and I am looking forward to supporting the organisation where I can as it goes from strength to strength.”
Natalie Gilmore is Executive Director of Business Resources at National Museums Liverpool, leading on finance, HR, procurement, information systems and governance. A qualified public sector finance leader, she has significant experience in organisational turnaround and capital investment, and previously held senior roles at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres. Natalie is also a practising artist and a passionate advocate for arts and culture.
“As a Prescot resident and practising artist, I’m a lifelong advocate for the power of the arts, culture and education to raise aspirations, strengthen communities and improve lives. I’m looking forward to supporting the Playhouse to be a cultural anchor for Prescot and a creative home for artists and audiences alike.”
Michael Salla is currently Deputy CEO at Everton in the Community, where he plays a key role in overseeing strategy, partnerships and programme delivery, with a focus on improving health, education and employment outcomes. He brings extensive experience in building cross-sector partnerships, measuring impact and securing investment, and also serves as a Trustee of Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services.
On his appointment, Salla said: “I’m delighted to join as a Trustee to help build on the fantastic work already achieved. It’s inspiring to see the social value that is delivered, the economic growth and the improved outcomes in health, education and transferable skills.”
Kate Tipton-Thomas brings over 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector. Her career spans senior roles at organisations including Groundwork Wirral, The Hive Youth Zone Wirral, and Queenscourt Hospice, where she is currently Head of Income Generation and Communications. Kate’s early career also included roles in theatre management and marketing, reflecting a lifelong passion for the arts.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Trustee team at Shakespeare North Playhouse and to support the wonderful work of this fantastic facility.”
Max Steinberg CBE DL, Chair of Shakespeare North commented:
“We are delighted that Chris Brown has taken on the role of Deputy Chair, alongside the appointment of a diverse and accomplished group of new trustees. Their combined expertise and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we build on Shakespeare North’s achievements and look ahead. Together, they will help ensure our work continues to deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic impact for our communities.”
These appointments mark an important step in the continued development of Shakespeare North Playhouse, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class theatre and learning experiences rooted in the community.