The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of Derby Theatre, ensuring its sustainability and championing its mission to place learning at the heart of everything it does. The newly appointed trustees bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will help the theatre deepen relationships with partners, funders and policy makers, as well as broaden its reach across the city and region.
Mahad Ali is the Executive Director of Grant Giving at the Commercial Education Trust and University of Derby Governor. Mahad has a distinguished career, having previously been the Director of Programmes at Career Ready, where he oversaw the delivery of programmes to 69,000 young people annually. He has also contributed to education and research at WorldSkills UK and has served as a Trustee of the De Paul Trust. Mahad’s expertise in strategic youth employment was honed at the Greater London Authority. Additionally, he is an accomplished writer, having been part of the BBC Studios Writers Academy and Sky Comedy Rep, with his play My Brother’s Keeper featured in the 2023 season at Theatre503.
Marcus Marsh is a Theatre Producer, currently working at Tall Stories, a theatre company that creates family work that includes titles such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and The Smoos, and The Elmer Adventure. He has worked across a wide-range of scales for Tall Stories; including West End, regional touring and international touring. He has managed logistics of producing shows in USA, Asia and Australia. Prior to working at Tall Stories he worked as a freelance theatre producer and director. After graduating from Leeds University he founded his own production company called Portsmouth Road Productions as well as holding positions as Associate Director at Stockwell Playhouse and Associate Producer at The British Theatre Academy.
Neeru Walia is Derby born and bred and a career Civil Servant. She’s also a Visiting Professor King’s College London. She studied Drama at school and despite not pursuing her passion for the theatre as a career she has been a life long supporter of the stage.
Mahad, Marcus and Neeru will join the current Board members who include: Professor Kathryn Mitchell (Chair), Jill Adamson, Jane Claire, Keith McLay, Liz Nelson and Michael Pinchbeck.
Sarah Brigham (Artistic Director and CEO, Derby Theatre) said:
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mahad, Marcus and Neeru to our Board. Their skills, insight, unique perspectives and passion will be invaluable in helping us shape the future of Derby Theatre and ensuring that we continue to be a vibrant and inclusive cultural hub for the region.”