Theatre Disruptors
Our Current Theatre Disruptors
The newest of our Creative Assembly groups, Norwich Theatre Disruptors are already challenging, educating and offering new perspectives – disrupting the status-quo in a kind and constructive way!
They are incredibly motivated and committed to help develop and improve initiatives and strategies to ensure Norwich Theatre is the best it can be. Each bringing their own life experience and expertise, they currently have a particular focus on access, communication, sustainability and cultural diversity.
Meeting monthly, finding time to watch some shows, and even participating in creative engagement projects, the Disruptors are here to share their curiosity, provoke conversation and suggest new approaches and ideas for positive change.
Meet our Disruptors:
Nellie Allsop
As an autistic, queer person I’m looking forward to making sure that the voices of those who may be othered in society are heard by the decision makers at Norwich Theatre. Outside of my Theatre Disruptor role I’m a freelance public speaker and trainer, with an aim of helping staff, from tech organisations to NHS trusts, better understand autism. And in my free time, I love to crochet and to listen to the soundtracks of musicals!
Adrian Tissier
I am a writer, performer and trainer, formerly working as a visitor experience consultant for the National Trust. Norwich Theatre has fantastic potential to inspire creative confidence in a broader range of individuals and communities at a time of increasing division and environmental urgency, with the power to drive transformational personal and social benefit.
Anamika Bhattacharjee
I am excited to represent not only my Bengali community but also to contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Norwich. Now a researcher at UEA, I studied in New Dehli, India and relish the opportunity to help cultivate a space where cultural exchange flourishes. I believe in the power of theatre to bridge gaps, break stereotypes and amplify voices that are marginalised or unheard. As a Disruptor my aim is to inspire creative change by introducing new communities and creating a new fusion.
Vikki Greenhalgh
I am excited to be part of conversation that has the potential to increase human connection and community with Norwich Theatre. As a speech and language therapist, I have worked with many neurodivergent young people and am passionate about raising awareness of understanding, representation and appreciation of diversity. As a disruptor, I feel it is important to raise questions and challenge the status quo. My aim is to inspire equality, inclusion, and champion the ability of theatre to bring people together and change lives.
Reflections on the first year of Theatre Disruptors
“As a cohort of Theatre Disruptors, we believe our success stems not just from one action or person, but from our collective deep dive into Norwich Theatre and its workings. For example, through our work, we are successfully challenging and interrogating perceived notions around access and diversity in the theatre.
We have all attended several theatre performances at Norwich Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two during our time in role which has allowed us to give detailed feedback about the scope and diversity of the theatre’s offering, the quality of visitor experience, and the suitability of enhanced access provision for audiences with a wide range of needs.
Having successfully fed into ongoing work around the organisation’s new Visitor Charter, we have consulted with various managers and change makers as part of our monthly meetings and beyond. This has given us deep insight into how the organisation operates.
Moving forward, we aim to focus on access, equality, diversity, justice, and inclusion. We will continue to challenge, educate and offer new perspectives, with each volunteer offering their own life experience and expertise.”
Creative Assembly
Theatre Disruptors is one of our five groups in our Creative Assembly initiative. Each group in the Creative Assembly has its own focus and will bring its own ideas and creativity to help shape the direction of Norwich Theatre. Together, the Creative Assembly will transform decision making at Norwich Theatre and enhance communities’ integration into the life of the theatre.