The Red Rose Chain Team

Joanna Carrick

Artistic Director

Jo is our Artistic Director and founder of the company. Jo directs Red Rose Chain’s productions and is celebrated for re-inventing classic stories and amazing interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays at Theatre in the Forest. She is also a playwright and written many historical plays, including her acclaimed ‘Tudor Trilogy’. Jo leads our community workshops and has many years’ experience of working with disadvantaged groups on life changing projects and developing the creative skills of young artists. Jo was recently listed in the 100 most influential Suffolk Women.

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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.

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Katy Frost

Community Director

Katy Frost is our Community Director, leading in programming our community work. She works closely with Jo to lead our workshops and activities, working with young people who volunteer as part of our professional productions. Katy is also an artist and designer and creates the costumes and props for productions, as well as the digital art as part of our green screen films. 

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Rei Mordue

Production Assistant

Rei Mordue is our Production Assistant, working on the design and creation of our professional and community theatre productions. Rei also assists in delivering our community workshops, as well as performing 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.

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Ellie Smith

Production Assistant

Ellie is our newest member of the team, joining us as a Production Assistant on a year placement. Ellie works with our community groups delivering workshops, as well as working on the design and creation of our professional productions. Ellie is a part of our Chainers Youth Theatre and has performed as part of several professional productions, including Theatre in the Forest! Ellie will be off next year to study Theatre at Royal Holloway university.

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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.

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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.

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