THEATRE AMBASSADORS

Formed in 2018 the South Asian Ambassador team has helped increase audience attendance from within the local South Asian community by 20%, a figure which includes over 3,000 first time visitors to the Grand.

Chaired by Audience Development Consultant Hardish Virk, the team recently suggested and promoted the successful film screening of the Bollywood classic Devdas,

More exciting projects are in progress.

The newly formed Black African and Caribbean Ambassador team came together this September (2021) with the purpose of increasing audience attendance and community engagement within the local black community.

Chaired by Audience Development Consultant Tonia Daley-Campbell, the teams efforts have already seen considerable success, helping to secure Rush Theatre Company’s largest ever single performance attendance for upcoming show RUSH – A Joyous Jamaican Journey.

In addition to promoting performances at the Grand, the group are also working hard to increase community engagement, with a number of exciting projects currently under discussion.

Tonia Daley-Campbell is an actress, award-winning writer, published author, director/casting director, and producer. Tonia has been working in the creative industries for over 21 years and throughout her creative career, she has been committed to discovering hidden talent from across the West Midlands. She has cast many short films, theatre projects, and the TV Pilot Lucid The Dreamwalker. She has directed plays in theatres across the UK including, The Birmingham Hippodrome, National Theatre London and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. In 2018 Tonia won an inspirational woman award for her work with young people from marginalized and disaffected communities, helping them to gain careers within the creative industries. Tonia has toured in theatres across the country and internationally, whilst also starring in TV, films and commercials. Tonia’s acting credits include: Gazebo Theatre’s Wanted, Sorry No Coloureds No Irish No Dogs and Jamaica 50. BBC Doctors, Prisoners Wives, BBC drama Danny and the human zoo, short films Good Hair, Roadside Killer, Black Hill and award-winning BBC Creatives, The Boy shaped space. Tonia is one of the directors of TV, Film and Theatre production company Themis Creative limited with Business partner and friend Oraine Johnson. Tonia is Currently the new Audience Development consultant for The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton which she absolutely loves.

Pamilerin Beckley is Birmingham-born digital communication professional with an insatiable passion for storytelling. As the Architect of Stories of The Haven, Wolverhampton, she engages with various stakeholders to explore how their stories can be told, through digital mediums, as a catalyst for change.

She spent her early years in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she developed a keen interest in advocacy for women’s rights and the betterment of the girl child. As a former woman’s magazine editor, she was exposed to and became fully cognizant of the stereotypes and stigma associated with many gender-based societal issues and how the power dynamics between men and women often leave women at a disadvantage.

As a freelancer, she supports small to medium women-led businesses and organisations with simple, affordable but effective design and digital solutions. She has developed brand identities, designed and implemented marketing and communication strategies, which have improved consumer engagement and secured media coverage in leading media outlets like CNN and The Huffington Post.

Sophie Clayton also known as Sofie Anné is a young singer/performer born and raised in Wolverhampton. From a young age Sophie has been surrounded by music with influences from her Aunty Beverley aka Wolverhampton’s own Soul Queen Beverley Knight.

Sophie also shared a love for theatre during her time at Aldersley High School playing lead role in both Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ playing ‘Killer Queen’ and the theatre classic ‘Grease’ where she played ‘Sandy’. Sophie attended Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) which is the sister school to the Brit school in London, where she completed a 2 year music course. In 2016, Sophie attended BIMM Manchester where she excelled and completed her degree in Professional Musicianship: Vocals.She performs for exclusive luxury events around the UK and internationally including destinations such as St.Tropez, Thailand and California. Sophie has worked with artists Beverley Knight, Marisha Wallace, Dueted with Josh Daniel From X Factor and has also made several TV appearances on BBC Songs Of Praise and The Royal Variety Show. Sophie is very excited to be an ambassador for The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and aims to bring more of the Black community and youth into the Grand and put Wolverhampton back on the map!’

Junior Hemans is an experienced consultant having worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers for ten years up to 2011, and now working as an independent consultant. Junior is also a non executive director for the Royal Wolverhampton (5years) and Walsall Healthcare (Feb 2021)NHS Trusts, where he serves as Chair of both Trust’s People and Organisation Commitees.  Junior is also Chair of Tuntum Housing Association since 2015 and has successfully led the organisation through a period of growth and significant development.  Junior is also a Prince’s Trust mentor and a property developer/landlord of more to than 20 years.

Junior previously studied at the University of Wolverhampton, graduating with a Business Studies Degree and a Masters Degree (MBA) in Business Administration. Junior is now also a visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton Business School, where he has lectured for the past ten years, lecturing in strategic management, marketing, business operations and leadership, sharing his wide business experiences with the business leaders of the future.

Junior is a successful business entrepreneur, having formed a door supervisors training business with 2 business partners, whilst studying at the university. The training delivered led to Wolverhampton having a very successful night life and being nationally voted No 1 night life in the mid 1990s. He also went on to form a nationally recognised education company teaching children in care, employing 21 teachers and managing two out-sourced schools, through two successful Ofsted inspections.

Junior is a strong community ally, having previously managed and led a number of community organisations and was instrumental in the acquisition and formation of the Heritage Centre based in Whitmore Reans Wolverhampton.

Nathan John was born right here in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. He left at age 16 to pursue a career in the British Army, and over the course of 20 years as both a Soldier and attendance at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, as an Officer, he served on operations in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, Germany and culminated in a high-profile role in NATO. He has a Masters degree from Kings College London, and Batchelor degrees from Northumbria Business School and the Open University. Nathan is also a member of the Institute of Directors and CIPD. A natural entrepreneur and has built businesses, including a property portfolio and media company, and was shortlisted as New Leaver of the Year at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2020. Now an author and TEDxl speaker, his debut book, Decision Point is a culmination of his personal development journey and a synthesis of his best lessons for success. Nathan has fused practical human psychology with his own research to support and develop colleagues and clients to achieve their own successes. Keen to support the next generation, Nathan is also a Multiverse Mentor. Former Prime Minster’s son’ Euan Blair’s brainchild to create a diverse group of future leaders, where Nathan supports Directors and business leaders in leadership and management. Nathan is thrilled to be able to work with the Grand Theatre to develop the Black/Caribbean audience and promoting the theatre as a venue for all. Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou’ Nathan believes when you learn you should teach and when you get you should give. He hopes to have a positive and lasting impact in his home community.

Carl McGregor is a Wolverhampton lad, born and bred. As a child he started playing Keyboards and Drums in his Father’s church. He has been a professional musician for forty years and has travelled to various parts of the world. He has worked with a wide variety of artistes such as, Sir Cliff Richard, the late great Roy Castle, Michael Bolton, Gospel legend Andrae Crouch, and Soul diva, our very own Beverley Knight. Carl has also over the years worked with young people in institutions such as schools, churches, and even prisons, helping them to realise their potential.

Simone is a proud Wolverhampton girl, after graduating from University of Wolverhampton she went onto work in journalism starting out at BBC Sport. Simone is an award-winning video journalist having previously worked for BBC News and BBC Sport making digital videos. “I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and giving a voice to the voiceless.” She is currently an Assistant Producer for a production company working with clients such as FIFA, UEFA and The FA. In her spare time Simone loves F1, football, food and to travel. When asked to be an ambassador for The Grand Theatre Simone said “It was a great honor to be asked by one of the biggest landmarks in Wolverhampton to not only represent them but also represent the black community and draw a more diverse and younger audience to come to The Grand.

Over the summer of 2022 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre were looking for young people to become Generation Grand, Gen-G, the youth representatives for our theatre. After a flood of applications, we would like to introduce the members of Gen-G.

The group is made up of thirteen passionate young people from in and around the West Midlands and Shropshire between the ages of 8-21 years. Gen-G ambassadors will play a crucial part in helping to develop how young people engage with the theatre and help to create opportunities for other young people from Wolverhampton and surrounding areas.

I’m Aidyn, I’m 18 years old and I currently study Musical Theatre. I have loved theatre since a young age and have been lucky enough to see a few shows live such as Phantom of the Opera, SIX, Matilda, Mamma Mia etc. In the future I plan to pursue a career in Performing Arts as this is a huge dream for me!! I am incredibly grateful to have a voice in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and glad to be learning about the industry.

Hi I’m Beth, for me, theatre is the best place for personal expression and freedom; it helps you to grow not only as a performer but as an individual. Theatre is where imagination comes to life, and it is amazing to be a part of it! I enjoy learning from the wonderful cast members and backstage staff at the Grand who help pave the way for future theatre loving generations. One of my biggest aspirations is to develop a career in the arts and be proud of the work I have created and been involved with, knowing that I have been part of something that brings joy to many people.

I’m Lizzie, I’m 15 and have loved the theatre since I first saw Shrek The Musical on the West End when I was 5. As well as watching live theatre I enjoy performing, and have been with Telford’s leading theatre company, The Arts Centre Telford (TACT), for over half my life performing in a range of fantastic musicals and plays like Les Miserables, Legally Blonde and Footloose. I also sing with the TACT Choir and am a teaching assistant in the junior and beginner music and drama classes. I currently study drama at school and hope to continue this in further education and one day be able to direct a show of my own.

The thing I love the most about theatre is how you can be anything you want to be. When you see a show you become part of it and it makes you happy and sad and nervous and excited. Musicals are the best they make you feel so happy and make you move your feet.

I want to be a star in a musical. I was Michael in Peter Pan last year at the Grand but I’d love to play Peter Pan himself. It feels so good to be on the stage and knowing everyone is watching you do something you love.

Hello, my name is Scarlett and I am 9 years old.

I am proud to live in Wolverhampton. I am enthusiastic in everything I do, respectful to others and their beliefs, open minded to change and trying new things and nurturing to my friends and classmates. I believe I have all the qualities to help grow the Grand Theatre and inspire young people. I hope to reach all communities and give everyone the chance to experience what I love. I am a little girl with a loud voice for theatre and look forward to sharing this with others!

Hello, my name is Sophie. I’m 9 years old.

I have taken part in a couple of shows at Jam: The Wiz, Peter Pan and a mixed show with a song from Grease in it. I was a mini yellow brick road in The Wiz and also a munchkin!

I have also seen quite a few shows with real actors in them. I have been to London  twice to see West End shows, The Lion King and Matilda. While I was there, I went to Leicester Square, where I learned the “Naughty” song from Matilda in a workshop with other people which was fun.

I am proud to be part of Gen-G and hope to use my skills to help young people get more involved in theatre. I am good at working with others, communicating, sharing my ideas and I am very reliable and confident.

I’m Lara, I’m 10 years old and I love theatre. My favourite part is performing onstage, it takes me into a world of my own, where anything can happen. When I first became interested in acting I was seven years old. It was when lockdown started, and I would always find myself watching television. I started to think about the people who were bringing these different characters to life and how fun it would be if I could do that myself. I was always thinking about what it would be like to be able to do that myself.

Most Covid-19 regulations had been removed by April 2022, my school managed to do the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jnr. I ended up getting a lead role in it and I loved it! From then on, I knew performing was my dream. November last year, I was fortunate to be a part of Bilston Operatic Company’s Peter Pan and got to perform on the Grand Theatre stage! I am now a Gen-G Ambassador so I can show young people that whatever you want to do, with a bit of work, you can do it and become whoever you want to be. I look forward to doing more theatre-related things in the future and can’t wait to do more as a Gen-G Ambassador.

Hi, I’m Jaya. I love the theatre because it is like a living dream when you watch the authentic, lively shows. It also helps young people build their confidence to perform in front of a large audience which may lead to better mental health. Inside of the theatre, you can express how you feel and can become part of a strong team. The theatre can give you many ideas for your future job based off of your abilities. Everyone learns how to be patient with each other.

I am passionate and excited about providing a platform for the Grand Theatre and get engaged and inspired to be part of making a difference in the lives of others. To have my say, make my voice count and participate in new opportunities.

I’m Shyarna, I am 11 years old. I am looking forward to helping influence the young people of Wolverhampton and the West Midlands by bringing encouragement, dedication and leadership to the Gen-G group.

My hobbies that I do consists of acting, singing, dancing, comedy/drama, French, guitar and football. These interests of mine has allowed me to meet like-minded people. I know how to work on my own and as part of a team, over the years my confidence has grown and I have inspired peers wanting to join clubs that I do.

My passion for theatre and performing arts was apparent from a young age. My enrolment at my local theatre, Belfrey Theatre group was my first experience of performing arts, learning new skills and developing my confidence to small audiences of people where I was made to feel part of the Belfrey Theatre family.

One of the highlights of my musical theatre journey was playing John Boy Walton in ‘Troubles A Brewin’ with the Pauline Quirke Academy at Her Majesty Theatre in London.

I’m so excited to be part of Gen G, I can’t wait to use my skills to provide a vital youth voice in the theatre and help connect to the further community.

Jay Singh was born into a Indian migrant family in the late 1960`s in Wolverhampton. He has always been a leader & trail blazer from being the first Head Boy at his Inner City Comprehensive School from an Indian background, to being President of the Asian Society at University. Then went on to train as an Accountant in London. Here he was part of the team that organised Cultural Events during the whole year.  He has always been keen on the Arts & Culture from South Asia. While serving in the Territorial Army, went on to gain his Commission from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (Where Prince William & Harry graduated) and headed up a successful National press campaign to recruit more South Asians into the Army. Now he is a supporter of local events in Wolverhampton with his strong business contacts, all rooted in Wolverhampton.

Ram Singh  MSc, IDPM(Cambs) FCMI MIET MAPM BSc(Hons)

Executive | Project Professional | Ambassador | Speaker | Mentor & Coach

Ram has a Master’s Degree in Engineering, MoP ®, MSP ®, PRINCE2 ® & PTLLS. His first degree was in Mathematics. He also has a certified International Post Graduate Diploma (IDPM) in Project Management from Cambridge University.

At University he organised several cultural events including world famous Indian bands Alaap, Heera and Gurdas Maan among others.

As an ‘Enterprise Advisor’ for the Khalsa Academy he also supports the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community.

Being a ‘STEM’ Ambassador helps him to encourage the younger generation to make a difference in Wolverhampton. This in turn introduces them to local Arts & Cultural Events.

Proud Wulfrunian.