About Us
The Prospero family
168
Members
24
Volunteers
14
Staff
34
Community Partners
Mindfullness
Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. All practitioners are trained in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and we fuse these with drama in every part of the creative process.
Beth works closely with the universities conducting research, and adapts programmes and exercises to build in new findings as soon as they are evidenced.
Her latest book ‘Developing Your Emotional Health’ (Nick Hern) published September 2024, largely details the process we use. Over the three years Beth has spoken on this at conferences and inclusive events.
Volunteers
At Prospero, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you have a few hours to spare occasionally or would like to become more regularly involved, volunteering with us is a fantastic way to meet new people, develop new skills, support your local community and be part of an inclusive and creative organisation. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and contribute in many different ways, helping us ensure that everyone can enjoy the opportunities and experiences that Prospero provides.
One of the great things about volunteering with Prospero is the huge variety of roles available. Some volunteers help with practical tasks such as DIY, maintenance, building props, setting up venues and supporting events like our annual Spring Ball. Others assist with administration, research projects, fundraising activities, marketing, community events and audience engagement. Whether you enjoy being hands-on, organising behind the scenes, working with people or contributing professional skills, there is a role to suit your interests and availability. Every contribution, large or small, makes a real difference to our work and the people we support. If you would like to become a volunteer email:bethwood@prosperotheatre.com
Prospero Theatre
Staff
Celina Gomez
I began Prospero with Beth when I was 6 and never looked back! I recently rejoined Prospero to help with the adult group and nothing had changed the prospero community was more welcoming than ever! I love who I am as a person when I’m around Prospero.
Michael Hartigan
Michael was a founding member of Prospero theatre in 2015, and since then has performed with the company in touring productions, and the life of Barry, and the award-winning Edinburgh show red and the wolf.
Michael was also the title role in elephant of my heart, which took Hospital schools in 2017. he was scar in the lion, King, the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz, Jonathan Harker, in Dracula and most recently bottom in a Midsummer nights dream.
Georgina Allen-Gardner
I have been a part of Prospero for as long as I can remember, and have loved every activity from youth theatre School, progressing to adults drama group and furthermore being able to teach it. Prospero Theatre is a place where I have gained confidence through drama, and have found a community to grow, learn, and be myself!
Rukayat Ogunyemi
I am a compassionate and reliable Carer with experience supporting individuals with their daily living needs, personal care, and emotional wellbeing. I am committed to providing person-centred care that promotes dignity, independence, and a high quality of life.
At Prospero, I support service users with daily activities, social engagement, and wellbeing, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. I assist with person-centred care and encourage participation in activities that promote confidence, inclusion, and enjoyment.
Danielle Barker
I started care work when I got made redundant from my office job during COVID, and then did private care for a client, and they attended Prospero sessions at The Arc and West way. I have an artistic background and always loved helping people.
For Prospero I started caring for clients on the Friday club day each week, and then became the art teacher for the Tuesday’s art and sandwich club.
Prospero is wonderful for adults to enjoy themselves in whatever they want to take part in, whether it’s drama, art, creating props, dancing, mindfulness and many more. And it’s great to see a community care for one another and wanting people to have a social life as well as engaging with hobbies or learning new things.
Everyone is amazing and it’s great to see the enjoyment Prospero provides.The staff put on so many activities and care deeply for the clients and what they want and need.
Wai Line Sao
I have experience in bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll operations, with strong expertise in payroll and payroll accounting across the APAC and EMEA regions. My background includes managing financial records, payroll reconciliations, ensuring compliance with regional regulations, and supporting accurate financial reporting.
I support Prospero by managing bookkeeping and accounting functions, account reconciliations, and maintaining accurate financial records to ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day financial operations.
I’m inspired by Prospero’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and complex care needs, helping them achieve greater independence, dignity, and quality of life. Being part of an organisation where strong financial management directly supports essential care services is especially meaningful to me, as I know that accurate payroll and accounting processes help ensure carers and support teams can continue delivering vital services to the people who rely on them.
Christine McNeice
I am a professionally trained actor, singer and dancer with extensive experience in performance and the performing arts. My career has given me the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills both on stage and in creative leadership roles.
At Prospero, I teach singing and work as both an acting coach and director, helping participants build confidence, develop their talents and express themselves creatively.
Prospero is the most inclusive drama group I have ever been part of, filled with incredible people who inspire and support one another. Being involved is both humbling and deeply rewarding, and it is a privilege to contribute to such a positive and welcoming community.
Hollie Clarke
Initially joining Prospero as a performer in the youth theatre, i have since gone to achieve a first-class degree in acting at the University of Chichester and now co-own my own theatre company OnTheNose Productions, creating original comedy musicals that tour in venues across the south east as well as Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe.
As a drama helper at Prospero, i am on hand to cover parts when members are away, assist members with their lines and performances and provide general support to them during rehearsals.
The community spirit at Prospero is unmatched, it has a real family feel and everyone is so caring and supportive towards each other. You know that you can take time away but there is always a welcoming place to come back to!
Management Team
Beth Wood -Artistic Director
and Trustee
Before becoming Director of Prospero Beth was the Artistic Director of The Arc, Theatre Exchange and Thorndike Young People’s Theatre.
She has directed in the West End and in regional theatres.
Beth was a drama consultant for Surrey for eight years delivering work with young people and INSET work with teachers across Surrey, and the Outreach director at the Harlequin. In addition
Management Team
Tina Slaughter
Associate Director
Tina has worked with Beth since 2014 and has been with Prospero since it was formed back in 2015. She comes from a Care background and has also worked as a Teaching Assistant in a Secondary SLD School.
Tina is involved in everything Prospero: Regular activities include Friday Club, After Hours, Socials, Cinema Club, Create Together, Making Day, Art and Sandwich Club, Youth Unite. She is also involved in organising and participating in the annual Carnival and The Spring Ball.
Tina enjoys helping everyone to participate in creating together and reaching their full potential while having fun!
Prospero Trustees
Jess Clements
I’m an author & performer, & the writer of the children’s book ‘The Elephant of My Heart’ which I’ve taken to the stage at the Edinburgh & Adelaide Fringes & into schools, parks & community centres. I’m involved with Prospero because it does the thing I care about most — it uses creativity to reach people who are too often left out. It sends them home not just entertained but more connected & more themselves. Watching that happen in the room, week after week, is a joy & a privilege!
Management Team
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson is an actor, director, writer and facilitator of 15 years experience. He trained as an actor at Rose Bruford School of Speech and Drama and has worked in theatre, television and film. As a teacher and director he has worked with both young people and adults both directing productions and facilitating workshops. Mark is currently studying for an MA in Actor Training and Coaching at the Royal Central School of speech and Drama, and continues to perform as an actor and improviser at the same time.
Emma Starr
Emma trained at St. Catherine’s Drama Studio in Guildford. She has worked as a drama tutor for SeeAbility and Surrey Adult Education (SEN), and co-founded Scarab (integrated arts) theatre company.
Emma currently works for Together, a mental health charity. She continues to perform, with recent projects including Snow White and the Snow Queen and Wonderland. Emma strongly believes in drama as a tool for personal development. She is especially drawn to inclusive projects that explore the connection between the arts and mental health.
Susy Payne Puckett
Susy is a professional performer who has starred in national and international theatre tours including Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies with the original TV cast, Greenwich Theatre Panto, Shakespeare 4 Kids, ACT. Susy’s TV advertisements including campaigns for IBM, Rugby world cup, British Airways, McCain, and her most recent TV programme credits include Channel 4’s Top Boy. Susy has just completed production on TV sitcom Help Yourselves, which she also co-wrote and directed.