Episode 5: Changing the Game: Access and Inclusion in UK theatres - Part 1

New Wolsey Theatre Podcast

In this episode we talk to two female powerhouses in the UK theatre and disability landscape.
Sarah Holmes is Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. As Sarah prepares to hand over the baton to a new Chief Executive after nearly 21 years at the helm, we talk about the responsibilities of theatre leaders in making change – so that theatre is truly accessible and inclusive of everyone. We find out how Sarah’s impatience for change and an impromptu conversation in a graveyard, led to the game-changing Ramps On The Moon project. Oh, and we hear about a pantomime cow getting on a bus.

Our second conversation is with Michele Taylor. Michele advocates for change in the theatre industry at every level, from being Director for Change for the Ramps on the Moon project, to advising funders and Government, and being co-author of the influential Seven Principles for an Inclusive Recovery document. Michele talks about the importance of continuing the conversation even if it’s not perfect, why she hates the phrase ‘Access is being invited to the party and Inclusion is being asked to dance’, and explains what she means by being ‘on the edge where disability and the mainstream meet.’
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Jack and The Beanstalk runs from 25 November 2021 to 8 January 2022 and if you can't make it to the show in person, every performance is available to livestream straight to your home, wherever your are in the world!
Book livestream tickets here: https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/shows/jack-the-beanstalk-livestream/

The New Wolsey Theatre is supported by Arts Council England,

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ABOUT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich is a multi-award-winning vibrant cultural hub enriching the lives of people in Suffolk. We offer a diverse range of performances, community engagement activities, and artist development opportunities. We are nationally renowned for our excellence, diversity, and accessibility, and we are committed to continuing this essential work.