Blue Apple Theatre welcomes new leadership

Dr ALISON FRATER will become Chair at Blue Apple Theatre in July following the departure of EDWARD ROCHEAD from the company.

Frater is a former Director of Public Health in Bristol, North Hampshire, and NHS England (London). She has also worked as a Chief Officer in the voluntary sector and has held academic positions at the University of Southampton and as a visiting professor at Royal Holloway, University of London.

She is currently the Public Health Lead on a randomised controlled trial based at University College, London, evaluating mentalisation-based therapy in probation settings. 

Previously, Frater was Chair of the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance and is currently Chair of Clean Break, a theatre company working with women affected by the criminal justice system or at risk of entering it, and Trustee of Hijinx, a theatre company producing theatre for learning disabled and autistic young people.

Frater said: “It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of Blue Apple. I’m inspired by a theatre company founded by and for learning-disabled people that delivers on its mission.

"I’ve witnessed how inclusive theatre connects hearts to minds in unique, fun and exciting ways, transforming lives and making the world a better place. I’m keen to support the members, staff and Board pushing boundaries, driving this vision forward.”

RICHARD CONLON, the theatre's Artistic Director, said: “The changeover as established trustees leave and new ones join can be tricky for small charities, but the current movement on the Board of Blue Apple is being managed with warmth and heart.

"This bittersweet time will be greeted (as it says in Hamlet) ‘with an auspicious and a dropping eye’ as we welcome a new chair ready to walk hand in hand with the staff towards an exciting future in a landscape that has never been more challenging for the cultural sector.

"Alison knows all about the intersection between culture social justice, between entertainment and civil rights.”