Mhora Samuel Director

Contact Mhora if you would like The Theatres Trust to support your theatre

Mhora began her career as a dancer and choreographer in Scotland and as Administrator for the Gregory Nash Group in Oxford. She moved to London in 1989 as Centre Co-ordinator for Chisenhale Dance Space, and in 1991 was appointed as Director of Total Theatre, the UK lead body for physical and visual performance. She joined ABL Cultural Consulting in 1998 where she worked on a range of capital feasibility studies and arts strategies. In 2001 she was appointed Chief Executive of the Cultural Industries Development Agency, the leading business support regeneration agency for the cultural and creative industries sector in East London. Mhora joined The Theatres Trust in January 2006.

Suzanne McDougall Assistant to the Director

Contact Suzanne if you would like to speak to the Director, are a member of the Press or would like to support our work by becoming a Corporate Supporter

Since studying Fine Art Photography in Melbourne Australia, Suzanne has continued her interest in the arts and arts administration through further study and regular participation with voluntary groups by organising exhibitions and other initiatives. She previously worked in HR and marketing in both the not for profit and corporate sectors and so brings a wealth of practical, administrative and organisational skills to the Trust.

Kate Carmichael Resources Officer

Contact Kate if you have an enquiry, any interesting news about a theatre, or are interested in our new online learning resource 'Exploring Theatres'!

Having lived abroad in her formative years she returned to England to study archaeology at Durham University, Kate realised after her first real dig that she was a fair-weather archaeologist and more suited to working within four walls and found museums and heritage the next best option. After graduating she spent a year and a half honing her office skills in admin, personnel, accounts and marketing in the charity, museums and niche business service sectors. She brings heaps of enthusiasm with her and hopes to help expand the Trust’s resources for all.

Mark Price Planning and Architecture Adviser

Contact Mark if you are need advice on a Planning Application or Listed Building Consent Application related to a theatre

Mark was appointed as the Trust’s Planning and Architecture Adviser in March 2003. He has over 15 years of planning, architectural, urban design, conservation and regeneration experience. Previously Principal Urban Design and Conservation Officer for the London Borough of Hounslow, he dealt with listed buildings, conservation areas, planning and urban design issues. He has also worked at Kensington and Chelsea, English Heritage and Adur District Council. Mark serves on the Casework Committees of the Cinema Theatre Association, the Twentieth Century Society and the Victorian Society. Holds a degree in Estate Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Historic Building Conservation from the Architectural Association (AA), is a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) and is a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Rose Freeman Planning Assistant

Contact Rose if you have a planning policy enquiry

Rose manages the Trust’s formal responses to planning and policy consultations, focussing on Local Development Frameworks and Local Plan revisions. This gives the Trust the opportunity to provide more input into the formulation of local authority policy making with reference to culture and the protection and promotion of theatres. She also researches information and drafts responses to planning applications, listed building applications, Government strategies and cultural studies.

Rose brings a vast amount of administrative experience to the Trust and can provide information on policy developments in local planning authorities across the UK.

Paul Connolly Administrator

Contact Paul if you would like to become a Friend of the Trust or if you would like to make a contribution to Theatres Magazine

Paul previously worked in management and finance in engineering, the food industry and in the educational sector before taking a career break to read Drama at the University of Manchester. He manages the Friends Membership Scheme and is the Editor of Theatres Magazine.

Fran Birch Records Officer

Contact Fran if you have any comments on or new material to add to the Trust's Theatres Database and Image Library

Fran is responsible for the management and development of the Trust’s theatre records and archive materials. She previously worked in the recruitment industry, but her background is in the arts, with a degree in Drama and an MA in Musicology. Fran applies her passion for knowledge and detail to all aspects of her work including photographing various theatres throughout the country.