Evan Williams (Chair)

Evan runs a learning consultancy providing e-learning and development workshops to multi-national organisations and national support agencies.  He previously worked for Barclays Bank PLC and as a business consultant for Business Wales. Evan is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Banking & Finance (CIBF). Outside of work, Evan enjoys hunting for fossils, going to music concerts and is an avid reader.

“When I was approached to join the board of directors, I was attracted by the company’s vision and values. I spent some time with the then Chair, other board members and the team at Theatr Iolo and it was immediately obviously that they all had a drive and passion for their purpose and the difference they were making with their productions and other activities. Having been a supporter of children’s charities for many years, it was clear that Theatr Iolo was a perfect fit for me and joining the board would give me the opportunity to get involved and not sit passively on the side-lines.”

Throughout my career in corporate banking, whether that be looking to help someone achieve their dreams of starting their own business, through to helping individuals grow their careers with the help of personalised learning, I’ve always taken a practical but innovative approach to a challenge. I’m always looking for new possibilities and new ways of doing things, stimulated by difficulties and finding ingenious ways to solve them. 

I hate uninspired routine, but I’m inspired by unconventional surroundings. Moving from the rarefied world of banking to that of theatre production offers me a challenge and forces me to be adaptive. There is a world of possibilities opening up at Theatr Iolo and I’m excited at the prospect of using my commercial skills for the benefit of our audiences.”

Sue Wardle

Sue is Client and Communications Director for Capital Law, looking after marketing and communicating with clients in the firm. She has previously worked at the Prince’s Trust and Wales Millennium Centre.

“I love Theatr Iolo because of it’s long pedigree in making excellent theatre for children, but also because it works with young people of all backgrounds, providing opportunities to access theatre and be creative. I’m delighted to be able to play a part in the company through the board because I passionately believe that cultural experiences for young people are essential to sustain their curiosity and wellbeing, all of which will be much needed in the post-Covid world.”

Jonny Cotsen

Jonny Cotsen is a qualified Art teacher but left his professional career to develop himself as a performance artist and consultant for inclusion in the arts. Jonny is a keen advocate for better access in the Arts and wrote the Arts Council Wales’ Toolkit for venues and theatre companies, which provides guidance on how to improve access for Deaf audiences in Wales. He also runs inclusive drama workshops and is a Deaf Equality trainer for people with and without disabilities.

Jonny enjoys public speaking and enjoys being on panel discussions on access provision in the arts. Jonny performs with ‘Louder Is Not Always Clearer’ which is produced and directed by Mr and Mrs Clark. ‘Louder Is Not Always Clearer’ has been touring extensively across the UK as well as Poland and France as well as a successful run at Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 since its inception at Chapter Arts 2018. His other performing credits include: ‘English' (Quarantine and National Theatre Wales), ‘Ways Of Being Together’ (Jo Fong), Cardiff: City Road Stories (Sherman Theatre).

“I was really excited when I had the opportunity to join Theatr Iolo board of trustees, not only I could offer my skills in terms of inclusion and access but it is a company that I have admired for a long time. I have always loved their work and what they do for young audiences which is meaningful, impactful and exciting. Having met the board of trustees and their staff (online!), it feels like a safe space where we can openly discuss and share our views. I am thrilled to be part of this and I hope I can my a difference to their vision.”

Sara Lewis

Sara is a HR professional and has spent the past 20 years with a leading law firm as a senior HR Manager.  Her particular area of interest is in developing others and encouraging people to reach their potential and to really focus on what they enjoy doing as we all perform better playing to our strengths.

Outside of work, Sarah loves to travel around Europe and spending as much time as she can exploring the culture and the food on offer.  Listening to music and going to gigs is a big part of Sara’s life and she loves going to small venues and getting up close to the bands.

“Joining Theatr Iolo has been really interesting for me to gain an understanding of a different sector and has really made me appreciate the passion those working in the Arts have.  I want to use my skills and my time in whatever way I can to help the team to continue to flourish.”

Angharad Thomas

Angharad is a communications strategist with a background in brand building and behaviour change campaigns. She currently leads the Strategy & Insights team at Golley Slater Communications Agency, based in Cardiff. Angharad is a Welsh speaker and is very proud to be on the Theatr Iolo board championing the Welsh language and supporting the fantastic team with the marketing of its productions.

“Some of my fondest memories from my school days involve going to or being part of theatre productions. I love that Theatr Iolo works tirelessly to bring meaningful and stimulating art to young people, including those who have never had the opportunity to experience live theatre before. Going to any performance produced by Theatr Iolo is an absolute treat - it takes me back to the surprise and delight I felt as a child. And it’s been even more wonderful to see that delight in my little toddler, as she begins to experience theatre for the first time.”

Rhoda Lane

Rhoda was introduced to Theatr Iolo during her time studying for an MA in Arts Management at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. After working with Welsh organisations such as National Theatre Wales, Peak and Impelo, Rhoda joined the London-based Chineke! Foundation, an organisation advancing social change and celebrating diversity in classical music.

“Through my trustee role I look forward to amplifying the profile of the brilliant Theatr Iolo. This small but mighty team creates vibrant and vital work that empowers children, young people and their families to be playful, imaginative and daring. I‘m so impressed with Iolo’s agility and ambition, for the way its work responds to the moment, for telling stories that resonate with young audiences, and for its commitment to finding innovative ways to reach people - through local venues, mobile theatre, digital content or creative play packs. I’m thrilled to be joining Theatr Iolo at this exciting stage in its evolution.”