Meet the team

Having worked with SMG since 1995, Ailsa quickly progressed to Events Manager, and then moved on to the role of Theatre Director of The Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre which she managed for 5 years before coming to join the PLAYHOUSE bringing an in depth understanding of the entertainment and theatre industry.

Jacqueline has 20 years of box office experience. After 5 years at the Civic Theatre in Darlington she moved to the newly built Arena in Newcastle, assisting in the setting up and running of the Box Office.  She secured the position of Box Office manager in 2002 and was instrumental in the setting up of the box office at the Mill Volvo Tyne theatre when management of the venue was secured by SMG.

In June 2009 she was offered the position of Box office manager at the Playhouse, and was very pleased to accept this opportunity to work in her home town of Whitley bay.

Since graduating in 2001 with a BA Hons in Marketing, Nichola started her career at the Customs House, South Shields and has since worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her role at the PLAYHOUSE.

Sophie has recently graduated in Marketing and Management at Newcastle University, and joins the PLAYHOUSE as Marketing Assistant after previous experience in organising Events in Newcastle.

Heather worked within the arts in London before settling in the North East, where she ran small arts campaigns for a local agency. Now, at the PLAYHOUSE, Heather enjoys the variety of shows and brings her enthusiasm for the theatre to her work.

Having studied Music Production at Newcastle College, Simon has enjoyed working as part of the technical team at the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre on a casual basis. Before coming to the PLAYHOUSE he worked at Gateshead College as a Curriculum Support Officer in the Performing Arts department.

Stephanie joined the Playhouse in 2010 with a degree from The University of Liverpool and a background in leadership within Mitchell and Butler, a UK operator of Hotels and public houses.

Since taking up her role Stephanie has been instrumental in ensuring a top class bar and catering service is maintained and developed for the playhouse audiences. She has also developed strong partnerships with local businesses and is looking forward to being part of the regeneration of her hometown.

Lynsey graduated last year from Newcastle University with a Masters in International Multimedia and Journalism, building up a wealth of experience and contacts in the field along the way. As part of the Marketing department, Lynsey works specifically with the media in promoting and advertising PLAYHOUSE events.

Rachel joined SMG in 2007 as part of the Front of House team at the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre.  In the Summer of 2009, upon the completion of the refurbishment of the PLAYHOUSE, Rachel made the move to work here at the PLAYHOUSE.  As Event Co-ordinator Rachel makes sure that visiting productions needs are met as well as ensuring smooth running of the events.