Join us at this year’s panel discussion as we dive into one of the most pressing issues in our industry: artist development. What happens when artists are denied the time, space, and resources to experiment, stumble, and grow? What does that mean for the future of creativity?
This thought-provoking session will explore why investing in artists is essential—and how we can collectively make development a lasting priority.
This year’s panellists are Sarah Brigham (Artistic Director & CEO, Derby Theatre), Madeleine Kludje (Deputy Artistic Director, Birmingham Rep) Tim Bell (Senior Creative Producer Complicité) and Angie Fullman (General Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe) and the conversation will be chaired by writer and broadcaster, Nick Ahad.
WELCOME LUNCH
Immediately after our Panel Discussion we’ll continue the conversation over a FREE lunch.
Join us for Iona’s iconic homecooked classics as we welcome everyone and spill the latest tea from In Good Company!
Panellists
Artistic Director & CEO, Derby Theatre
Deputy Artistic Director, Birmingham Rep
Senior Creative Producer, Complicité
General Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe
Writer & Broadcaster
Featured Panellists
Panellists
Sarah Brigham
Sarah Brigham is the CEO and Artistic Director of Derby Theatre. She launched In Good Company in 2013 and has worked extensively across theatre as a Director, actor and facilitator.
Madeleine Kludje
Madeleine Kludje is the Deputy Artistic Director at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where she leads on Door and Studio programming and Talent Development. An alumna of the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme, the National Theatre Studio Directors Course 23, and the Clore Leadership Pulse.
Madeleine is passionate about fostering diversity in theatre and creating pathways for a more inclusive sector. She is also a member of the West Midlands Artist Development Network, Black Creatives Network and sits on the board of Culture Central and Arc House.
Madeleine’s recent directing work includes the Black British Theatre and UK Theatre Award-winning Swim, Aunty, Swim! (Belgrade); Grimeboy (The Rep); and City of a Thousand Trades (Birmingham Royal Ballet & The Rep). Madeleine is committed to cultural enrichment in the West Midlands and brings extensive experience in artistic leadership, community engagement, and talent development to her work.
Tim Bell
Tim Bell is currently Complicité’s Senior Creative Producer. He is a theatre-maker; director, actor, devisor, photographer, producer, maker of coffee.
Previously, he was Creative Producer at The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath. He has been Programme Manager at Pound Arts, Co-Artistic Director of the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis and was a co-founding member of rural touring company Shanty Theatre Company. Tim is also Associate Producer on a new feature film written and directed by Charlie Kaufman.
Angie Fullman
Angie Fullman is a Clore Fellow and General Manager at Shakespeare’s Globe. She has previously worked for Frantic Assembly, Charcoalblue and the National Theatre.
As part of her Clore Fellowship earlier this year, she completed a secondment with Birmingham Hippodrome, supporting a proposal for a new National Centre for Musical Theatre in Birmingham, specifically looking at possibilities for training, skills and career development in musical theatre.
Angie is interested in equitable artist and professional development initiatives and the development of new work in theatre and creating positive, accessible environments where people can do their best work.
Chaired by
Nick Ahad
Nick Ahad is a multiple award-winning writer and broadcaster working across TV, theatre and radio.
Plays include: The Boy at the Back of the Class (Rose Theatre, Kingston, national tour 2024); Glory (Dukes Theatre, Red Ladder, Tamasha, national tour, 2019).
TV writing includes: Better, Emmerdale and an original series developed by BBC Drama.
Radio work includes: Umbreen’s Junction (2021); Partition (2017).
He has broadcast thousands of hours of live radio for the BBC, presenting the Nick Ahad Show for BBC Radio Leeds for over a decade.
In 2020 he joined Radio 4’s Front Row presenting team.