Everyman & Playhouse Theatres announce new Trustees

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres are set to benefit from a wealth of expertise as Saphena Aziz, Paul Kallee-Grover MBE, and Julie Ledder join the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust Board of Trustees, with Amy Causley and Mike Clarke stepping down at the end of their respective terms.

The new appointments bring valuable skills in creativity, inclusion, human resources, project management, and capital regeneration to the organisation, further strengthening an already accomplished board.

Saphena Aziz brings extensive experience in arts and culture, currently serving as Director of Inclusion and Workforce Development at Curious Minds, where she champions access to arts for young people in the North. A playwright and graduate of the Liverpool Everyman Theatre’s Playwright Programme, her work spans organisations such as the BBC, Tate Liverpool, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Paul Kallee-Grover MBE adds more than 25 years of experience in cultural business advisory and capital regeneration. His award-winning career demonstrates a commitment to using culture as a transformative force for place-making and community development. Passionate about championing neurodivergent perspectives and LGBTQ+ voices in the arts, Paul aims to enhance the Trust’s role in enriching Liverpool’s cultural identity and driving inclusivity.

Julie Ledder, Head of HR Operations at the University of Liverpool, brings a proven track record in fostering positive organisational culture and driving employee engagement. With experience spanning the private, public, and third sectors, Julie’s leadership skills and enthusiasm for innovative theatre make her a valuable addition to the board.

The Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust (LMTT) is the charity which oversees the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres. Trustees play a vital role, giving their time for free and ensuring that the organisation is being well managed and operating within agreed policies, the law and its budget. In addition, Trustees of LMTT work with Arts Council England and Culture Liverpool to ensure the organisation fulfils the objectives of the funders, delivering on their investment principles around ambition, inclusivity, quality and relevance.

Chair, Andrea Nixon said:

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Amy and Mike for their outstanding service and support over their tenure as Trustees. They’ve been instrumental in providing strong leadership, drawing on their invaluable expertise, and we know they will continue to be great advocates for our work. With the appointment of Saphena, Paul, and Julie, to join myself and fellow Trustees, the Trust is well-positioned to continue its mission of enriching the cultural fabric of Liverpool City Region and supporting diverse voices in the arts.”

The Trust will be looking for new Trustees in January 2025, as other tenures conclude.