The South Devon Players Supporters Trust
(meet the trustees)

Gareth Foreman (Chairman)

I moved to Brixham in 2017 after a lifetime in London.
For many years I was the arts and entertainments editor for a string of local newspapers covering south London and Surrey.
After this I qualified as a counsellor and specialised in dual diagnosis working with clients who had addiction and mental health problems.
Away from this I was a keen amatuer magician, a hobby which I am now lucky enough to do for a living.
I’m a great advocate of using the arts to help with mental health/emotional problems. In 2012 I became involved with an organisation called Streets of Growth. They are a gang intervention project who mentor young people who have been caught up in knife crime in East London using magic as an interrvention. In 2017 I adressed an international conference of psychologists about the use of magic in therapy, something I had used in my own work as a counsellor in a prison setting.
I have also worked with a number of professional magicians as a performance coach, helping them come to terms with anxiety, nerves and other behaviours which were holding them back from performing at their best.
Having worked in and around the performing arts for the past 20 years I’m looking forward to working with the South Devon Players as I’m sure there will be lots of exciting projects and opportunities to take the company to new audiences.

Maggie Donaldson (Secretary)

I retired to Brixham in 2017, after 40 years working in Local Government in Oxford. My background has ranged from Trading Standards, through marketing and communication, customer service and finally to the delights of Data Protection and implementing GDPR. I have always loved film and theatre, opera, dance and live performance. From the perspective of the audience, naturally, not as a participant. It has been wonderful to be privileged to see a bit more behind the scenes, as it were, through my fundraising work with South Devon Players and my friendship with the force of nature that is Laura. I am thrilled to make a small contribution to the coffers by fundraising at local craft fairs and table top sales, where we sell books, cards, handmade jewellery, DVDs and anything that someone will pay for. Every 50p helps. In my spare time, I love to read, make cards, cook, and go for beach walks with my husband and totally bonkers rescue dog, Nigel.

Rhiannon Nicholas-Robinson (treasurer)

I grew up Taunton, went to University in Plymouth, and am now settled back in Taunton. I know Taunton seems a bit further away but with the modern communications its not really. I have done a fair few jobs in my past but now happily settled as a Science Technician at a local school.
I have been in admiration for the pure force of wills that makes the South Devon Players such an amazing company and produce such inspiring work. Personally I am not cut out for stage but this is a way I can contribute to helping that force endure and keep inspiring new people for many years to come.

Ann Laity

Jobs are far too numerous to mention but include teaching English and French in Adult Education, Inland Revenue, legal secretary, receptionist, market researcher, administration, school secretary and running a club for adults with learning difficulties.

The only professional theatre experience I’ve had was as an extra with the “Agatha Christie Theatre Company” but I’ve been a member of an amateur group for over 20 years now – acting, sewing and making props. I enjoy singing in choirs and, very occasionally, dabble in writing.

As co-founder of Ivybridge Community Arts, I am keen to work with and alongside other arts organisations to develop our offering for performers and audiences alike.

I have a particular interest in helping with funding bids.