People and Partners
Face Front benefits from the dedication of a wide range of people, from our small core team to many associates and partner organisations.
FACE FRONT PATRONS
Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE
“Face Front leads the way in consistent, accessible, high-quality theatre and arts to the widest audience. With the continuing fragile economic environment, Face Front remains a charity worth investing in and as a charity they invest in great theatre for their participants, who in turn experience art and inclusive practice as a tool for personal and artistic growth, which in turn affects and influences the greater arts community.”
Rachel Denning
“I was first introduced to Face Front when I worked on Sex FM as an actor and facilitator. I saw how their work can change and sometimes even save lives. I feel that Face Front simply opens its eyes to people (actors and audiences) who are traditionally excluded from the arts and makes them entirely included. Face Front continues to reach out to young people in the community and further. Impacting lives with sensitivity, honesty and fun. I am proud to help spread their work.”
Joseph Adelakun

“I’m super excited to become Face Front’s newest patron! Being an actor myself, I know the power of what theatre can do, especially when it tackles important topics and is representative of its audience and community - as Face Front so expertly does. Having seen first-hand just how valuable, inclusive and fun their work is, and having already worked with some of the Face Front family in the past, I’m really looking forward to being a greater part of this amazing company as a Patron!”
Mat Fraser
“Theatre has the power to transform the lives of people who make and watch stories unfold on stage. It can radically alter their real lives for the better. When you put those tools in the hands of children who’ve experienced domestic violence, it can be overwhelmingly powerful and lead to them beating the oppression that keeps them down and finally succeeding in real life. Face Front do this work with passion and have the experience to help these young people help themselves.”
Mayor Doris Jiagge
Mayor of Enfield, Doris Jiagge, has had a long-standing relationship with Face Front – first on the board, and now as a patron. A resident of Edmonton for 27 years, she knows the area and its communities well. Her focus on domestic violence and its impact on children aligns with the work Face Front does with our touring show Whisper Me Happy Ever After. She is proud of her association to our partnerships in local schools and outreach work saying “Face Front is at the heart of so many communities in Enfield and beyond.”
Onjali Rauf MBE
“I am so honoured to be a Patron of Face Front and am looking forward to championing its fantastic works in exciting - and for me, as yet unexplored - ways. I joined Face Front’s wonderful board group after seeing for myself the impact that their anti-domestic violence play Whisper Me Happily Ever After had upon the children and teachers it was being performed to. It was an honour to serve in my own small way and try to contribute to what I regard as an amazing group’s desire to establish not only a diverse and fully accessible arts platform in every way, but to tackle subject matters which few other arts initiatives dare to take on.”
Jamie Beddard
“I’m delighted and privileged to be asked to be a Patron of Face Front. My association with the company started 20 years ago, our paths have crossed numerous times since and their brilliant work is as vital as ever. The passing of Co-Founder, Jon French, was a blow to so many, and ensuring the company and his memory continue to thrive is very important to me.”
BLUE SKY ACTOR'S PATRONS
Ade Adepitan MBE
“I’m extremely pleased to be a Patron of the Blue Sky Actors. My sister is a much-loved and long-standing member of the group having joined in 2012! The group has grown in popularity with 30 members and a long waiting list. In recent years, their shows have always sold out - which just goes to show the importance of theatre.”
Vince Hilaire
“I was delighted when I was asked by Blue Sky Actors to become one of their patrons. I attended Stratford Circus Arts Centre at Christmas with my family to see my niece perform in their panto in front of a packed out theatre. It was great to see so many different people all having a moment to shine but most importantly working together to succeed as team – something I know a bit about as a retired professional footballer. I also know how important and valuable it is for people who are under-represented in a field to have access and opportunities to succeed in doing what they love.”
CORE TEAM

Ray Downing
Artistic Director
Ray Downing has worked for Face Front since 2005 as a freelancer and, for 6 years Artistic Director and Co-CEO. Ray is a dyslexic award-winning theatre-maker specialising in youth, inclusive and community-led arts. He was an Associate Artist at Stratford Circus Arts Centre and an Associate Director at Theatre Venture and the Ramira Arts Collective.
He is a double-graduate from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and in whatever project he’s involved with, he always starts the process by saying ‘A play is called play because you play - so let's play!’
"Face Front is brilliant because of its methodology by with and for our beneficiaries - for example our work is by young people with young people, for young people. So we are not dictating, or patronising we are all encompassing. We provide an escape, an opportunity to reflect and inspire, to challenge, to provide wonder - a sense of community - community arts through and through and a connection with people."

Annie Smol MBE
Associate Artist
Annie has worked within the arts in education, health and social care for 30 years specialising in inclusion, forum theatre and community arts.
She has worked for numerous arts companies such as Watford Palace, GLYPT, Graeae Theatre, London Bubble, Half Moon, Art Start, Finchley Youth Theatre, Freshwater Theatre, and was a founder member of the Theatre in schools Partnership.
As former Artistic Director for Face Front Inclusive Theatre she created many inclusive theatre programmes for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages working as a project manager, director, trainer and performer.
In 2017 She received an MBE for services to theatre and inclusion.
"Face Front works inclusively using the transformational power of theatre in order to challenge inequality and improve emotional well-being. True stories from our diverse communities are at the heart of all Face Front's work, their voices bring authenticity, joy and raise awareness leading to a fairer and more inclusive world."

Jacqui Livingston
Associate Producer
Jacqui started life off as a community arts facilitator, performer and adult education tutor with Chats Palace before moving into education.
She is a former Head of School and was in primary education for the last 20 years. Throughout the time she managed a range of subjects and areas including, teaching and learning, philosophy for children, phonics and drama. She has managed all key stages including early years and provided INSET training for a range of stakeholders throughout school.
The arts have always been her passion and she decided to take leap back to community arts to become a facilitator, visual artist and story teller. Since then she has had the pleasure to work with Bigfoot Arts, Kilburn Grange School, InterACTion, Blue Sky Actors, Stratford Circus and Blue Elephant Theatre. She now spends time writing/devising, designing and making set and costumes as well as delivering workshops and performing.
"The inclusive and cross generational work that Face Front does makes it a warm, rich and diverse place to be. It brings individuals and groups together giving them a sense of belonging and purpose. It then helps to unlock their creative voices and gives participants a safe place to take risks, blossom and grow."

Sarah-Jane Wingrove
Associate Director
Sarah-Jane is twice a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a Degree in Drama and Education and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice. She spent four years working as an FE lecturer in Performing Arts and setting up the award-winning TAB Youth Theatre.
She then turned to working freelance as a performer, puppeteer, youth theatre director and facilitator. She is also the co-founder of arts collective 'Handheld Arts' who have create installations and design-led performances with massive heart.
She has performed in several Face Front productions including 'It's My Move', 'Whisper Me Happy Ever After', and is looking forward to being part of the upcoming national tour of 'The Hero Next Door'. She is often to be found assisting in many of Face Front's participatory arts groups - and loves to use emojis wherever she can 😎 😀 🙄
“For Nearly 25 years, Face Front have been providing and engaging their local community and beyond in high quality artistic experiences and opportunities. Through workshops, Theatre-in-Education tours, participatory groups, seminars, mentoring, working with partners, apprenticeships… the list of the ways they have shown dedication to developing and championing creative communities that are inclusive and accessible to all is exemplary. As they continue to evolve in response to the changing needs and nature of society, I am proud to be a part of an organisation with such an rich and impactful past and future.”

Rachel Bradbear
Associate Producer
I have worked at Face Front for 2 years in this new part time role, and my first experience as Development Manager was in lockdown.
The company was rapidly making amazing changes during the pandemic and supporting the FFIT family and their needs as the world changed.
My background is initially in dance, performing, choreography and teaching before developing an interest in producing projects and events across the performing arts, which led me to all things about funding and making an idea happen.
Over the past 25 years I have designed and delivered a variety of projects and events in Theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film in a wide variety of settings be it, education, professional and community environments.
"Face Front is one of the most vibrant and enthusiastic places I have worked and where the whole team are so supportive and dedicated. The inclusive projects, touring and programmes are transformative for so many people of all ages and there have been many highlights during my time here. It’s been a big year for fundraising in these difficult times and we as a team endeavour to keep all the work and company active and resilient."

Eliza Wilson
Associate Producer
Eliza Wilson is a freelance project manager, producer and education consultant with over 20 years experience in the creative learning sector. Eliza started her career at Bromley Council delivering arts projects in the community and then went onto lead the Education team as Head of Education at Stratford Circus Arts Centre for 10 years.
While there she set up their award winning children’s theatre programme and community education programme, as well as developing a pioneering partnership scheme for schools. Since becoming self-employed Eliza has focussed on working with arts organisations on development, project management and producing.
She has a particular interest in audience development and evaluation.
"Face Front's work raises awareness, promotes equality, gives a voice to people from diverse communities, and has inclusivity at its heart. I am delighted to be part of such life-defining work."

Katherine Bruce
Associate Producer
Having worked in communications for multiple organisations, Katherine Bruce is now a copywriter, fundraiser and mother of two.
She has been working with Face Front since 2018, researching and completing many of the grant applications needed to raise funds for each of the Face Front projects.
Through her work with the charity, she has developed an in-depth knowledge of each of the programmes of work and has a particular interest in exploring new funding opportunities.
“I first discovered Face Front through Ray Downing, who at the time was freelancing for them and is now Artistic Director. My work for Face Front gives me a great opportunity to not only learn more about their work, but also to see its impact and reach. The work they do, whether through the weekly participation groups, the schools tours or the training, is truly life-changing – I’m proud to be involved.”

Emily Wrench
Associate Producer
Emily joined the team in 2022 to help research and apply for the grants that are vital to running Face Front's many projects.
Having worked in the financial services industry for most of her career, she loves a spreadsheet and now uses her skills to research new funding opportunities. She has a particular interest in the overall strategy and processes that support successful fundraising.
Emily has four children and in her free time enjoys drinking coffee, running and family camping trips.
“The first time I saw Face Front in action was the Blue Sky Actors panto, and I was blown away. The opportunities that Face Front create are incredible and make such a difference to so many people’s lives. I feel proud and lucky to be part of such an inspiring team."

Chi-Lin Nim
Associate Artist
Chi-Lin is a British-born Chinese actress whom has had the privilege of acting both on stage and on screen. Her credits include: Stan Lee's Lucky Man S3 (Sky One), Disney's Artemis Fowl, Wonder Woman 1984, and Whisper Me Happy Ever After (TIE Tour). She is passionate about acting as well as impacting people's lives and is very excited to be on a national tour with Face Front for Hero Next Door.
TRUSTEES
Ayo Oyebade (Treasurer)
Dr Siwan Thomas-Gibson
Mevna Bulathsinhala
Catrin Thomas (Chair)
Leesa Gazi
Sean Langford
Chris King
Mary Fernandes
Jacquelyn Shreeves-Lee
Meseret Zekai
VOLUNTEERS AND PLACEMENTS
Alex Garfath, Alex Standish-Murray, Amelie Hodges, Andrew Bradford, Chris King, Claire Hoskin, Danny Charalambous, Daisy Hodges, Debra Becker, David Seftel, Demetris Antoniou, Greg Baxter, Harry Molyneux. Jane Hermans, Jacquelyn Shreeves-Lee, Jude Habib, Julian Hilaire, June & Troy, Kayla Yakubu, Leesa Gazi, Lissa Hermans, Linda Jordan, Lynda Lynn, Lynda Brennan, Mo Cross, Meseret Zekai, Mevna Bulathsinhala, Natasha Cox, Oscar Ellis, Patrick McCarthy, Peter Faventi, Ruth Angel, Ruth Mbayi, Rebecca Seabrook, Richard Costello, Roshaan Duffus-Whynes, Rose Bramble, Ros West, Shanil Tailor, Trevor Duke.
FREELANCERS: CREATIVES, CAST & CREW
Adam Smith, Angie Wallis, Alex Garfath, Awa Jagne, Ashley Walsh, Briony Dillon, Charlie Caplan-Wilson, Chris Wood, Chi-Lin Nim, Darl Stenering, Daniel Addae, Danny Charalambous, Dan Sheehan, Emily Bradley, Elif Esen, Ellen Goodey, Ella Barraclough, George Freeman, Greg Williams, Greg Baxter, Gopal Gautam, Grace Firth, Howard Read, Ibrahim Ahmed, Jacquelyn Shreeves-Lee, Jessica Konzon, John Fuller, Joe Hornsby, Johanna Posselt-Walsh, Julie McNamara, Jim Smith, Katie Anna McConnell, Kymarni Appleton, Lia Weber, Liz Smith, Liz Adams, Lia Weber, Lucinda Bray, Mayou Trikerioti, Martine Drake, Mark Ratcliff, Michelle Williams, Molly Richards, Natasja Desiŕ, Nigel Kellaway, Onaji Raúf, Paul Barnes, Paul Wild, Patricia Smith, Penny Gkritzapi, Richard Rudnicki, Robin MacDonald, Rona Namudu, Sarah Warner, Sarah Farmer, Sally McNeil, Scotty Watson, Taj-Levi Matthaws, Tilly Lee-Kronick, Trish Smith, Theo Holloway, Tyler Cunningham, Victoria Dolman-Nash, Will Smith.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nigel Kellaway, Angela Sharpe, Ray Downing, Sarah-Jane Wingrove, Robert Workman, Catrina Rodrigues, Sam Carpenter.
FUNDERS AND COMMISSIONERS
We would like to thank the following for their financial support and commissioning:
Arts Council England, Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust, Can & River Trust, BBC Children in Need, Co-op, David Dolomon Trust, The D’Oyle Carte Charitable Trust, Emergence Foundation, Enfield Council, Enfield Connections, Foyle Foundation, The Hilden Charitable Trust, Haringey Council, John Lyon’s Charity, L & Q Foundation, Leathersellers’ Company Charitable Foundation, Marsh Christian Trust, Meridian Water Community Chest Fund, Morris Charitable Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, Portal Trust, People’s Health Trust, Sussex Community Foundation, Tottenham Grammar Foundation.
We would like to acknowledge donations and income from:
Anonymous, Annie Smol, Arts Depot, Ardent Theatre, Access to Work/DWP, Amazon Smile, Denis Stoller, Jane & Lissa Hermans, Jazanne Arts, Mary Fernandes, Mayor of Enfield Cllr Doris Jiagge, Onjali Raúf & friends, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Tax Relief, Trevor Duke, Will Smith, The Hero Next Door tour venues (DAC, Blackwood Miners Institute, Mill Arts Centre, Trinity Theatre, HOME Manchester, Cornerstone Arts Centre, Queens Theatre Hornchurch, The Dukes, CAST Doncaster, Midlands Arts Centre, Exeter Phoenix, Stratford Youth Zone).
Special thanks to our 25 for 25 doners:
Amanda Smith, Anne-Marie Ellis, Andrew Bradford, Anne Ogazi, Carole Wingrove, Chris King, Diane Smith, Emma Atherton-Evans, Jacquelyn Shreeves-Lee, Jane Hermans, J L Auguste, Leesa Gazi, Liz Adams, Mary Fernandes, Mo Cross, Paul Wild, Patrick Fuller, Ray Downing, Roger Cowe, Ruth Angel, Sally McNeil, Siwan Thomas-Gibson, Shamama Lanewala, Tina George, Will Smith.
Special thanks to:
Ashdown Phillips, Angela Frost, Claire Fenwick, Community Links Enfield, Community Links Edmonton, Joe Katona, Kritee Gower, Kyle Blackwood, Hamida Ali, Harrison Smith, Martin Willis, Mathew Ballantyne, Michael Emanuel, Peter Cowley, Rosemary Mann, Sarisha Kumar, Shamima Rahman, Toolbox Marketing, Park Avenue Resource Centre, family, friends and carers and all the other unsung supporters.