Our Team
Joanna Carrick
Artistic Director
As Red Rose Chain’s Artistic Director, Jo is constantly exploring new ideas and creating exciting and above all accessible theatre. From acclaimed new writing to finding original ways to tell a classic story, she specialised in getting all sorts of people hooked on theatre – whether it’s their first time or their hundredth. Jo’s ethos of inclusivity is ingrained in The Avenue Theatre, and the venue offers a perfect way to engage more people than ever before. Jo has recently been featured in the Suffolk 100, which highlights the work of 100 amazing people who are working hard to make a positive difference to their community.
Jo is a critically acclaimed playwright and is best known for her much-loved play The Ungodly and her Tudor Trilogy featuring Fallen in Love, Put Out the Lights and Progress.
David Newborn
Producer
David is Red Rose Chain’s Producer and has produced all of Red Rose Chain’s theatre and film work since 1995. David is responsible for creating our purpose built theatre in 2015, The Avenue. He is also an accomplished cameraman and editor, editing together our acclaimed green screen productions created during the COVID pandemic.
Katy Latham
Creative Director
Katy is Red Rose Chain’s Creative Director, leading on design, marketing and community work. Katy studied theatre at the University of York and joined Red Rose Chain from graduating in 2018. Since then, she has designed shows at The Avenue Theatre and Theatre in the Forest, making costumes, props and scenic art in house.
She also works closely with Joanna Carrick to lead Red Rose Chain’s community workshops and outreach programme, working with young people who volunteer backstage as part of our professional productions.
Rei Mordue
Community Project Leader
Rei Mordue is our Community Project leader, working across all our community work to deliver workshops and community productions! Rei leads our two Chainers youth theatres, writing and directing their shows, and is also as an actor in our professional shows, including Theatre in the Forest! Rei has come through our community programme, starting as part of the Chainers youth theatre.
Luke Lancaster
Finance Assistant
Luke is Red Rose Chain’s Finance Assistant and specialises in finance and reporting for our theatre and community projects. He works closely with David to manage the finances, as well as heading up our box office sales team for The Avenue and Theatre in the Forest.
Stephanie Drane
Avenue Facilities Manager
Steph is our Facilities Manager and manages the upkeep of The Avenue Theatre and Gippeswyk Hall. Steph also manages our prop and costume stores, as well as helping to build our theatre sets and seating.
Kelly Allison
Participant support
Kelly is our volunteer participant support, assisting with our ACT, Chainers and Gold Chainer groups! Kelly also works closely with participants when they volunteer as part of our professional theatre productions
