New board line up for Pentabus theatre company

Shropshire-based rural theatre company Pentabus has named a new chair and six new trustees.

NUALA O’KANE, who is a former Chair of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is the incoming chair, succeeding ROS ROBINS, who has led the board for 10 years.

“I am proud and delighted to be appointed as Chair of Pentabus. As a resident of Shropshire, I have watched the organisation grow from its relatively modest beginnings in the 70s to the influential and groundbreaking company that it is today,” O’Kane said. 

“I have a lifelong passion for the arts and strongly believe that quality performances should be accessible to all communities, which is the mission and purpose of Pentabus.”

Among the new trustees are Shakespeare’s Globe Artistic Director MICHELLE TERRY, actor JACOBA WILLIAMS and HR professional and playwright KIERAN O’FLAHERTY.

They are joined by RSC Digital Producer JOEL HALL, former management consultant ANNE-HÉLÈNE BIOSSE-DUPLAN and IZZY CULLIS, a musician and Marysville Medical Practice Managing Partner.

The new board members will begin by overseeing Pentabus’ 50th anniversary season, which is being celebrated this year.

“The best new writing with rural stories at its heart has continued to be at the core of Pentabus' mission but over the last decade we have also been able to grow our work with young writers and develop an award-winning digital programme,” outgoing chair Robins said.

“Thanks to all those artists, partners, funders that have supported us – there is so much to be proud of and celebrate as we enter our 50th year.”