Box Office 01787 374 745
The Board of Trustees
Tony Willson - Chair
How I Currently Spend My Time: My wife and I have a training/health and safety business in Colchester but luckily it allows us a lot of time for holidays and weekends away. Additionally I am Chair of, and sing with, Essex Police Choir and am Trustee of another local charity.
Background: I first worked as a Solicitor, then went into property here and in Spain, then when a recession hit in the early 90’s joined an international training company which took me all over the world, before starting our own company some 25 years ago.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: We moved to Sudbury during the Covid pandemic and towards the end of it, I offered my services as a volunteer at the theatre and landed up being asked to join the Board!
What I Love About The Quay: It’s not just the theatre itself, it’s a family of Trustees, employees, volunteers and patrons all working together to make it an enjoyable venue for the widest possible audience.
Judith Blatch - Vice Chair
How I Currently Spend My Time: In my spare time I go running, walking or to the gym. I enjoy gardening and growing my own fruit and vegetables, and have just started learning Spanish.
Background: I ran Winch & Blatch for over 30 years.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: I have a keen interest in the prosperity, business and cultural life of Sudbury and the surrounding area. I can use my many years’ experience of running an independent business in Sudbury to the benefit of The Quay’s continued success.
What I Love About The Quay: I love the variety of performances from national and local performers and the sense of community generated by Sudbury’s very own cultural centre.
Paul Press
How I Currently Spend My Time: Working with young people on film workshops
Background: A professional actor from the age of 15 to present day working mainly on TV, although now just concentrate on recording audiobooks. I now run a small film company and an Arts Based Charity, working with young people on Filmmaking projects based in Great Cornard.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: To help young people discover The Quay Theatre and to get them involved in our wonderful theatre.
What I Love About The Quay: I love the Quay’s location and the intimacy of our venue.
Melanie Barrett
How I Currently Spend My Time: I retired at the end of 2020 and since May 2023 have been a Councillor at Sudbury Town Council. I have lots of adventures in my motor home travelling in Europe and the UK and I enjoy tending a lovely community garden with my neighbours.
Background: I worked for many years in the Health Education sectors and in industry as an HR Advisor and Consultant. For a period, I was also a Babergh District Councillor and was their representative on the Quay Board.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: Very simply I treasure the Quay and want to see it thrive. When I ceased to be a Babergh Councillor, I wanted to continue my association with the theatre and so was asked to join the Board.
What I Love About The Quay: You get close to the action due to the size of the auditorium , the National Theatre shows have been transformative and it’s a chance to meet up with other regular theatre goers.
Rita Viney
How I Currently Spend My Time: I still do a bit of work at the accountancy practice my husband and I set up years ago, but most of my time now is spent enjoying life! I’m involved with the U3A, play cards, meet friends for lunch, and at home I can usually be found gardening, crafting, or listening to music — with Layla, my lovely dog.
Background: I started out as a Secretary/PA in the financial industry in the city before helping my husband Peter set up and grow the accountancy practice. While he focused on building the business, I was busy running the home and raising our family.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: I have been a lifelong theatre-goer, attending hundreds of productions and a long standing member of The National Theatre. I see this role as a way of giving something back. I hope to bring my experience in organisation and administration to support the Quay Theatre, whilst learning from others and contributing to its future.
What I Love About The Quay: The historic building with its riverside location has a unique charm. I feel it plays an important role in bringing all ages together through live performance.
Jenny Smith
How I Currently Spend My Time: I split my time between my coaching and consultancy work, spending time with my family, and getting outdoors for long walks, usually the place where I do my best thinking.
Background: I’ve had a varied career across different leadership roles, all of which have strengthened my interest in how people, communities, and organisations grow and adapt. My connection with The Quay also goes back many years through my family.
Why I Joined the Board of Trustees: My father was involved in the early development of The Quay, so joining the Board felt like a natural way to continue that legacy. I wanted to play a part in supporting a place that has meant a great deal to my family and the wider community.
What I Love About The Quay: The Quay has a welcoming, creative energy that brings people together. I love its sense of community, its history, and the way it continues to offer space for people to connect, be entertained, and feel at home.
Staff
Krystle Charlton
Theatre Manager Responsible for all Front of House operations and day to day running of The Theatre. Covering all aspects of Marketing and social media along with managing events and shows.
01787 374745
Joe Fawcett
Head Of Production, responsible for all Technical & Production based activities including overseeing artistic output and technical delivery of all productions
01787 374745 (Ext.4)
Emma Bretherton
Finance Manager, covering all aspects of financial diligence on behalf of The Quay.
01787 374745 (Ext.3)
Theatre Programmer, Responsible for all artistic programming of shows and events within the Theatre.
Sally Lessi
Administrative Assistant, covering all administrative duties to do with the day-to-day workings of the theatre.
01787 374745 (Ext.2)
Anna Brooks
Administrative Assistant, covering all administrative duties to do with the day-to-day workings of the theatre.
01787 374745 (Ext. 2)
Lucy Molnar
Youth Theatre Lead Covering all aspects of Youth Theatre, including workshops and engagement.
Emily Barlow
Youth Theatre Assistant Support of youth theatre, including workshops and shows
Julie Moss
Costume Department Covering all aspects of our costume and hire department, for all events, shows and parties.