Our People

Meet the people behind the scenes dedicated to making a difference. We’re proud to be supported by our Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, and our Trustees and Ambassadors. Discover the passionate individuals who make our work possible.

 

 

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Our Patron

HM King Charles III

HM King Charles III doesn’t just lend his name to Actors’ Trust, he truly champions our industry. During the pandemic’s darkest days, when theatres sat empty and film sets fell silent, His Majesty recorded a heartfelt poem supporting our emergency appeal.

Watch His Majesty’s message and see royal support in action.

Our Trustees:

 

 

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Alex Macqueen

Chair

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Alex is a BAFTA nominated actor best known for his roles in The Thick Of It (BBC), Hunderby (Sky) and Sally4Ever (HBO). Before becoming an actor, Alex practiced as a barrister, specialising in public and company law. Alex is also a Trustee of Z2K, and an Ambassador for CAFOD.

 

 

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Abi Eniola

Vice Chair

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Former actor Abi is now a coach with over 20 years of international experience leading groups and individuals in a range of development areas – including leadership development, personal impact and influence, building effective relationships, as well as Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.  Abi is also a coach/practitioner at RADA Business.

 

 

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Sarah Alford-Smith

Trustee

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Sarah was a stage manager for 27 years before becoming a production coordinator for a West End producer. Notable productions include Network (National Theatre) and Hamlet (Almeida). Sarah’s background provides a unique understanding of actors and stage managers, driving her passion to support artists and reach a wider community.

 

 

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Iain Barbour

Appointed Trustee

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Iain is an experienced trustee and non-executive director who is passionate about theatre and the arts. With a background in investment banking, he spent several decades working in the City, focusing recently on supporting institutional investors investing in infrastructure. Iain is a Trustee at Mountview and a Governor at University for the Creative Arts.

 

 

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Simon Callow (CBE)

Trustee

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Simon is an actor, director and writer known for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, A Room with a View, and Phantom of the Opera. He has received numerous accolades, including an Olivier Award and Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for two BAFTA Awards.

 

 

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Brad Cole

Trustee

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A Mountview graduate, Brad worked as an actor and script writer for 25 years – now a qualified Developmental Coach and facilitator, working with public and private sector organisations to support personal and organisational development.  Former children’s advocate with Action for Children, over 20 years he has also supported the work of a number of front-line charities focussing on Mental Health, Homelessness, Children’s Mentoring and HIV Inclusion.

 

 

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Michele Enright

Trustee

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Michele studied Social Studies (BA Hons) at Liverpool Polytechnic before building a 17 year career as a stage manager, which includes theatre, opera and events. She has experience in developing stage, lighting, sound and automation competencies, assessments and certifications in roles at the National Theatre and PLASA.  She is a trained coach (ORSC) and certified project and programme manager, currently working with the global marketing, communications and business development teams at Arup, a global sustainable development consultancy.

 

 

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Peter Forbes

Trustee

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Peter was born and raised in Scotland and has enjoyed a varied career as an actor for four decades, in plays, musicals, TV, film and as a narrator of audiobooks. He has served on the Equity Stage Committee, and as a Trustee and Chair of The Actors’ Children’s Trust.

 

 

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Chris Heagren

Appointed Trustee

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Chris is a Big 4 trained qualified accountant with over 18 years’ experience in the Entertainment, Technology, Media and Communications sectors. He is currently the Executive Director, Controllership of Warner Bros. International Television Production. Responsible for accurate and reliable financial information and comprehensive planning and analysis to aid decision making.

 

 

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Lesley Joseph

Trustee

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Lesley is best known for playing Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather. With a career spanning over five decades, Lesley is deeply aware of the struggles faced by many actors and stage managers and is passionate about giving back to an industry that has given her so much joy.

 

 

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Michael Maloney

Trustee

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Michael has over 46 years acting experience and is currently touring in Murder on the Orient Express around the UK and Ireland. He has divided his career unequally between Theatre, Film, Television, Radio and Unemployment. He looks forward to being of assistance after having now been elected to the Board.

 

 

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Karen Myers

Appointed Trustee

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Karen has had a senior executive career in communications, including in motoring, leisure, media and sport. Her trustee roles have included a benevolent fund. She advises on a schools’ mentoring programme and a mental health campaign in amateur football. With a family background in performing arts, she is passionate about theatre and music.

 

 

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Patrick O'Kane

Trustee

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Patrick is an Irish actor with extensive experience across stage and screen, including the HBO series Game of Thrones. Patrick has lived experience receiving support from the ABF, which provides invaluable insight into his role as trustee. Patrick is dedicated to raising awareness of the ABF and expanding its services.

 

 

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Rob Rinder (MBE)

Trustee

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Rob is a British criminal barrister, broadcaster, and educator. In addition to presenting and curating a range of acclaimed documentaries and formatted television, acting was Rob’s first passion. From the National Youth Theatre to Panto.

 

 

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Sarah Watkinson

Appointed Trustee

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Sarah is a partner at Ashurst LLP, where she co-leads the real estate finance practice. Sarah is listed in Legal 500 as an Eminent Practitioner. Sarah is also a trained stage manager and is passionate about theatre and the arts, having also served as a trustee of the Watermill Theatre.

 

 

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Hannah Whittingham

Trustee

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 Hannah is a producer, writer, and actor/musician trained at the Royal Academy of Music. Hannah’s credits include Sound of Music (Palladium), The Last Five Years (Apollo), and Impossible (Noel Coward), and she has produced series for the BBC, ITV, and Radio 4. Hannah is also training to be a psychotherapist.

 

 

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Meet our CEO

Alison Wyman

Alison has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, with particular experience in organisational strategy, development, governance, research and analysis. Alison has developed and managed a wide range of projects, services and grants programmes, in various leadership positions, working collaboratively with a range of organisations, Boards and teams.

 

Our Ambassadors:

 

 

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Paul Chahidi

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

Photograph by Michael Shelford.

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Christopher Eccleston

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

 

 

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Celia Imrie

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

Photograph by Rachell Smith.

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Ruth Jones

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

 

 

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Maxine Peake

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

 

 

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Danny Sapani

Ambassador

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Be on the lookout – bio coming soon!

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Our history

Over 140 years of supporting our industry through thick and thin. Discover our rich heritage and the legendary actors and those in stage management who have helped build the charity we are today.

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Our impact

Real stories, and real lives changed - see how our support has helped actors and those in stage management get back on their feet and continue doing what they love.

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Work for us

Join us on our mission. Browse current opportunities to be part of a team that's making a real difference to the lives of industry professionals.

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Contact us

Sometimes, a friendly voice or a quick email is all it takes to get things moving. Whether you’re an actor or in stage management and are looking for support, interested in joining our community, or simply have a question, we’re here for you!

 

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