Printers Playhouse Arts CIC - Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees brings together a diverse group of people who share a commitment to our purpose, our community, and our future. They give their time, skills and experience to support our team, provide strategic direction, and ensure the organisation is well governed and sustainable.
This is a chance to meet each of our trustees and learn a little about who they are, what they bring to the Board, and why they care about the work we do.
you can also find out how to get involved in the board
Meet the Board
John Berry
FounderAs a playwright and director, John has developed and staged a wide range of work at Printers Playhouse, from intimate new plays to ambitious, site‑specific and community‑led projects. John is passionate about nurturing emerging talent and strengthening Eastbourne’s creative ecology through collaboration, inclusivity and high‑quality artistic work
John says: “I’m on the board because it’s full of wonderful, kind, artistic people who share my love for good music, good theatre and good times.”
Viv Berry
FounderViv Berry is a creative director, facilitator and producer with extensive experience in participatory theatre, music and community arts. A co‑founder and long‑standing director of Printers Playhouse, Viv has played a central role in shaping the organisation’s inclusive ethos and community‑led programming.
As a trustee, Viv brings deep organisational knowledge, creative leadership and a strong commitment to Printers Playhouse’s mission to be an accessible, vibrant and sustainable cultural, community hub.
Sarah Dean
Funding SpecialistCreative and strategic in equal measure, Sarah brings fresh ideas to every campaign. As a long standing supporter of Printers Playhouse and a former General Manager, Sarah has a deep knowledge of our day to day workings. Sarah is also an accomplished artist and regularly brings her eye for design to the table.
Gladeana McMahon
Board SecretaryFriendly, attentive, and always ready to help, Gladeana is an active member and supporter of the Printers Playhouse Community.
Gladeana says: “I moved to Eastbourne in 2016. My creative side found it's home in Printers Playhouse and I feel grateful to have found a space to creatively blossom and give back.“
Chris Berry
FounderChris is an initial founder of Printers Playhouse and maintains a constant and active interest in its future development.
A development and planning professional, he has a passion for the performing arts and continues to support fully the contribution Printers makes to Eastbourne's cultural life.
Alan Spence
Liaison and OutreachAlan, a former drama teacher who ran his own theatre company and now focuses on writing plays, brings thoughtful artistic perspective, literary expertise and a strong belief in the power of the arts to provoke reflection, empathy and connection. He is committed to supporting bold, authentic work and to ensuring that creative spaces remain open, curious and welcoming to all.
Alan says: “I moved to Eastbourne in 2021, and feel blessed to be part of a vibrant arts community to indulge in my passions and most importantly, give something back.”
Al Staples
Chair of the Board of TrusteesWith a background in Digital Communications, Al utilises his knowledge and enthusiasm for the creative arts to help shape the vision for Printers Playhouse.
Al says: “I joined the board in 2024 having been bitten by the Printers bug. The community focus and encouragement that is embedded in this organisation is incredible. I am constantly in awe of the people who perform here. whether as actors, musicians or creative artists. Seeing how people grow with the support of Printers’ people never ceases to amaze me…
…Oh, and I love a bit of Karaoke on a Thursday too!”
Anna Cartwright
Board Member Anna has been a member of Printers Playhouse Choir for two years and has enjoyed performing in several productions and shows. She has worked in various development roles in charities and government agencies, and is keen to contribute her skills to the growth of PPH.
Anna says: I was so excited to find the creative and inclusive ways that this organisation works to involve the local community into the arts in Eastbourne. It’s a unique strength of the town that I want to help others to appreciate, take part in and grow.
Ros Bedford
Board Member Ros has been regularly involved with Printers Playhouse for seven years, performing in several shows, plays, Direct Address and choir concerts, and loves participating in the weekly playreading sessions. She has been a volunteer with a number of charities including Age Exchange in Blackheath, and Age Concern Eastbourne, participating in reminiscence activities and adapting people's life stories into community theatre. She has also been a trustee of CAB Eastbourne.
Ros says: I love the innovative vibrancy of Printers playhouse, their adventurousness in exploring new ideas and encouraging new talent, and individual's innate talents and self-expression. I have been amazed at the variety of projects undertaken and very much want to support them going forward to expand and develop.
It could be you!!
New board members are always welcome.Would you like to join us on this incredible journey?
Find out more about joining the Board of Trustees.