On International Women’s Day, Helen Blakeman, Amy Causley and Karen Cody will join the board to work alongside a host of influential women already supporting the two theatres. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s Everyman & Playhouse theatre group is cementing its status as a majority female-led organisation with three high-profile appointments to its board.
On International Women’s Day, the organisation says Helen Blakeman, Amy Causley and Karen Cody will all join the board to work alongside a host of influential women already supporting the two theatres. Caroline Roberts-Cherry will also join the board later this year.
Helen Blakeman is a BAFTA and international Emmy Award winning writer. A former usher at the Everyman, she is a member of the BAFTA Council. Her film Dustbin Baby won a Children’s BAFTA in 2009.
She is currently the creator, lead writer and associate producer of the BAFTA nominated CBBC series Hetty Feather – now in its fifth series, and said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the board – as a creative and a local, both theatres are so dear to my heart.”
The University of Liverpool’s head of HR policy and employee engagement Amy Causley brings her expertise and experience in HR and diversity to the board. She said: “The Everyman & Playhouse have been a joyful part of my relationship with the city since coming to Liverpool 20 years ago.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to play a part in the contribution the theatres, and all involved, make to our community, the wider region and the arts.”
Karen Cody joins the board to bring a wealth of experience in theatre. The former Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) employee has worked in a number of theatre venues. In 2011 she introduced the ATG Theatre Card, which quickly became the largest theatre membership scheme in the UK.
She added: “I am delighted to join the board of the Everyman & Playhouse as they continue to champion and nurture local talent and develop their world-class theatre offer, for the audiences of Merseyside and beyond.”
Caroline Roberts-Cherry will join later this year after nine years as a member of Manchester Royal Exchange board. A former BBC executive, Caroline runs the award-winning television production company Saffron Cherry.
She said: “I am so delighted to be asked to join the iconic Everyman and Playhouse, it’s a real honour. I look forward to getting involved and being part of the magical energy in Liverpool.”
The new board members join an already strong female-led organisation, with former TATE Liverpool director Andrea Nixon, Liverpool City Councillor Wendy Simon, chartered accountant Bren Hutchinson and Blackburne House chief executive Claire Dove, all part of the current board of trustees.
Fiona Gibson, interim chief executive of Everyman & Playhouse, said: “Each brings their own unique blend of passion and expertise, and we are excited to have them share this with us as we further develop the reach of our wonderful two theatres here in the Liverpool city region.”