Team Curve is filled with brilliant, creative and passionate people who deliver exceptional work behind-the-scenes.
Find out more about our team members here.
Meet our teams
Executive Team
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Chris Stafford
Chief Executive
Chris Stafford
Chief Executive
Chris Stafford was appointed CEO of Curve in 2015 and in partnership with Nikolai Foster, he is responsible for the leadership of the theatre.
Since Chris taking up post, Curve’s annual turnover has increased by over £10m and audiences have risen by over 30% for performances in Leicester. Under Chris and Nikolai’s leadership, Curve has developed a reputation as a leading producing theatre in the UK and a destination venue for producers to launch major touring productions, with recent productions opening at Curve including COME FROM AWAY, MATLIDA and Matthew Bourne’s ROMEO AND JULIET. Chris has also led the development of Curve’s award-winning work on national and international tour, with productions now playing up to 2m people a year. In recent years, nine Made at Curve co-productions have played in London and the West End, including KINKY BOOTS (London Coliseum), A CHORUS LINE (Sadler’s Wells), THE WIZARD OF OZ (London Palladium), Sue Townsend’s THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13 ¾ – THE MUSICAL (The Ambassadors Theatre) and GREASE (Dominion Theatre). Chris was also Executive Producer on Curve’s critically acclaimed streamed productions of SUNSET BOULEVARD and THE COLOR PURPLE which were watched by audiences in 45 countries during the pandemic.
In 2025, alongside his role at Curve, Chris joined Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre as Interim Executive Director. During his tenure, he led a major organisational turnaround, transforming the theatre’s finances from a deficit position to a six-figure surplus in less than 12 months, while recentring artistic voices and strengthening audience engagement.
Throughout his career Chris has overseen almost 100 productions and co-productions, and prior to joining Curve he worked extensively internationally, touring and making work in the Middle East, South Korea, Japan, Barbados, North America and Europe. He was Executive Director of dreamthinkspeak, and prior to that he worked in the education department at Shakespeare’s Globe where he led on producing work for children and young people. Chris was also Acting Head of Development at Bristol Old Vic.
Chris sits on a number of Boards including UK Theatre, Stage One, Dance Consortium and Touring Partnership.
He is a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, a 2009/10 Clore Fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme, and was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts by De Montfort University. Alongside Nikolai Foster, Chris is listed 14th in The Stage 100 most influential people and partnerships in theatre.
Chris is a Director of Curve Productions Ltd, the producing arm for Made at Curve Productions.
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Nikolai Foster
Artistic Director and Chief Executive
Nikolai Foster
Artistic Director and Chief Executive
Nikolai is Artistic Director at Curve, Leicester, one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, described as ‘world class’ The Daily Telegraph and ‘a venue with a truly impressive musical pedigree’ The Times.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nikolai grew up in North Yorkshire and trained at Drama Centre London and at the Crucible, Sheffield.
He has created work for many of the UK’s major producing theatres, touring houses and international venues. Nikolai has been director on attachment at the Sheffield Crucible, the Royal Court Theatre and National Theatre Studio and served as an Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse. In 2024, Nikolai was awarded an Honorary Doctor of the Arts by Leicester’s De Montfort University for his contribution to theatre in Leicester.
Recently at Curve, Nikolai directed the world premiere of Rob Madge & Pippa Clearey’s BANK OF DAVE – THE MUSICAL and brand new productions of Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s KINKY BOOTS (London Coliseum, UK and Europe tours), Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach’s LEGALLY BLONDE (and UK tour), THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY, A CHORUS LINE (also at Sadler’s Wells, on tour in Japan and UK tour), Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s EVITA and THE WIZARD OF OZ (also at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London Palladium and UK tour), the first new UK production of Lee Hall & Elton John’s BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (winner Best Musical Production UK Theatre Awards and Best Regional Production WhatsOnStage Awards), described as a ‘masterpiece’ by The Times, and Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s GREASE at London’s Dominion Theatre and extensive UK tours. During lockdown, Nikolai directed Curve’s first digital streamed production, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by The Telegraph. Nikolai has also directed a major revival of Bernstein, Sondheim and Laurents’ WEST SIDE STORY, Hanif Kureishi’s MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE (nominated for Best Regional Production at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2020), AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN – THE MUSICAL (and UK tours), Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS (also at the Dominion and on tour), the world-premiere of Dougal Irvine’s adaptation of Riaz Khan’s MEMOIRS OF AN ASIAN FOOTBALL CASUAL (winner Best Stage Production Asian Media Awards), SUNSET BOULEVARD (UK tour and winner Best Regional Production WhatsOnStage Awards), Joe Orton’s WHAT THE BUTLER SAW (with Theatre Royal Bath), Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (with Birmingham Rep), the Broadway musical SPRING AWAKENING (with NYMT), LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Opera Garnier, Monaco and Daegu Opera Festival, South Korea – Winner Best Musical – Daegu International Musical Festival Awards), Truman Capote’s BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (and Haymarket Theatre, London and UK tour), Roald Dahl’s THE WITCHES (with Rose Theatre Kingston, Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong, Leeds Playhouse and UK tour), Tennessee Williams’ A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Shakespeare’s RICHARD III, Timberlake Wertenbaker’s OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD and a performance to celebrate the reveal of the tomb of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral.
As Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse, he directed Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM, a new Sherlock Holmes story (THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Mark Catley), Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL (adapted by Bryony Lavery and Jason Carr), Louise Page’s SALONIKA and Amanda Whittington’s BOLLYWOOD JANE. At the Crucible Sheffield, Nikolai made his directorial debut with A CHORUS LINE (2003), later followed by productions of Sondheim’s ASSASSINS and Shaffer’s AMADEUS.
Nikolai has also directed acclaimed productions of Coward’s HAY FEVER (Chichester Festival Theatre), ANNIE (Piccadilly Theatre, London, Toronto, South Africa and extensive UK tours), Jonathan Harvey’s BEAUTIFUL THING (Arts Theatre, London), Shelagh Stephenson’s THE MEMORY OF WATER (Stephen Joseph Scarborough), Leoncavallo’s PAGLIACCI (English Touring Opera and Pegasus Opera), A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Theatr Clwyd), THE JUNGLE BOOK (Glasgow Citz), Barry Hine’s KES and Ayckbourn’s SEASONS GREETINGS (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), David Essex’s ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (UK tour), Coward’s final play A SONG AT TWILIGHT, Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN and Brecht’s THE GOOD PERSON OF SICHUAN (all Mercury Theatre, Colchester), THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (UK tour), Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT (Chester Storyhouse), THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (York Theatre Royal), MACBETH (Singapore Repertory Theatre), Dahl’s JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (UK tour), Ayckbourn’s ABSENT FRIENDS and Terry Johnson’s DEAD FUNNY (Oldham Coliseum), Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS (Palace Theatre Watford and ETT) and Boucicault’s LONDON ASSURANCE and CALAMITY JANE at the Watermill (2010 and UK tour 2025).
Nikolai is a Director of Curve Productions Ltd, the producing arm for Made at Curve Productions.
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Kay Hardiman
Director of Creative Programmes
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Steve Randall
Finance Director
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Faye Smith
PA to the CEO
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Stewart Smith
Director of Operations
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Tessa Stanley-Price
Director of Fundraising
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Claire Ward
Executive Director
Board
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Sita Mcintosh
Chair
Sita Mcintosh
Chair
Sita McIntosh is an experienced UK theatre trustee with over 37 years’ experience in the industry incorporating many aspects of the business including sales, ticketing and marketing, working for West End productions, off West End venues, regional theatres and ticket agents. She ran the UK’s largest theatre website, WhatsOnStage, for over seven years and in that role co-produced the annual WhatsOnStage Awards, the largest publicly voted theatre awards in the UK.
Sita’s true passion is audience inclusion and now as CEO of Go Live Theatre Projects she enjoys opening up the joy of live theatre to children and young people from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds.
Previously Sita has chaired the board at Tonic Theatre, Kiln Theatre and has also sat as a trustee at HOME in Manchester.
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Vaughan Ashcroft
Trustee
Vaughan Ashcroft
Trustee
Vaughan has lived in Leicestershire is whole life. He has over 20 years experience as an ACCA-qualified accountant and spent a number of years working for Leicestershire Police. He is currently the Chief Finance Officer for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
He is passionate about theatre and has performing in and produced many shows on the local amateur scene. He is Honorary Life Member of the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society, having taking on Committee, Treasurer and Chair roles over the years. His proudest achievement is to have performed in leading roles on Curve’s main stage, and becoming a Trustee is truly an honour.
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Ed Barker
Trustee
Ed Barker
Trustee
Ed is a Managing Director and co-head of the London office of PGIM Private Capital. His experience extends across the private capital spectrum, including investment grade, below investment grade, direct lending, mezzanine and structured equity, working with mid-market and larger companies and institutions, both in the public and private space. He sits on the Board of five mid-market UK businesses. Ed is also Chairman of Green Frog Holidays, a charity working in the field of learning difficulties. Green Frog is an Ofsted-registered organisation (rated Outstanding) which partners with host organisations to run residential holidays for children and young adults. Ed joined Curve in September 2025.
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Councillor Adam Clarke
Trustee
Councillor Adam Clarke
Trustee
Adam is a Councillor in Leicester and is appointed to the board by the city mayor. He served on the city council executive for nine years and was deputy city mayor between 2017 and 2024.
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Helen Herniman
Trustee
Helen Herniman
Trustee
Helen has lived and worked in Leicestershire for many years where she qualified as an Accountant and is currently a fellow of the ICAEW. She has experience across a variety of organisations from varied sectors and has worked in both executive and non executive roles with charities and not for profit organisations for the last 10 years. Helen is currently an Executive Director at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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Barbara Matthews
Trustee
Barbara Matthews
Trustee
Barbara lives in Leicester and was brought up in the East Midlands. She was a theatre producer and arts consultant before becoming Director of Theatre for Arts Council, England. She then changed gear and held senior positions at both De Montfort and Nottingham Trent Universities. She is Chair of the Trustees of Uppingham School and a Director of Nottingham Contemporary.
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Patrick Mulvihill
Trustee
Patrick Mulvihill
Trustee
Patrick has spent his career in the not-for-profit sector, working to generate philanthropic and commercial support for environmental, heritage, disability and educational organisations. Patrick is a former member of Leicester University’s Council and chair of its alumni committee, and has lived in Leicestershire for the last 30 years.
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Maria O’Brien
Trustee
Maria O’Brien
Trustee
An accomplished marketing and communications professional, Maria has led nationally recognised teams in the public and private sectors. She is known for her ability to blend creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impact. Maria is passionate about enabling access to the arts and sport for all and proud to call Leicester home.
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Jeremy Parr
Trustee
Jeremy Parr
Trustee
Jeremy was a corporate law partner at Allen Overy Shearman Sterling for 24 years. He has a long-standing interest in theatre and the performing arts and is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, which helps young people develop their careers, including through the annual TheatreCraft careers fair. He is also an Independent Governor of London South Bank University, a member of its Finance and Investment Committee and Chair of its Remuneration Committee.
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Edie Richards
Young Trustee
Edie Richards
Young Trustee
Edie is a Young Trustee at Curve Theatre, Leicester, dedicated to championing youth voice and widening access to the arts. Raised in Leicester’s creative community, she brings first-hand insight into how theatre can shape confidence, ambition and belonging.
Completing her BA (Hons) in Drama, Applied Theatre & Education at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Edie combines practical expertise in applied theatre and inclusive creative leadership with a strategic perspective on engagement and governance. She ensures young people’s voices are central to decision-making, helping Curve remain inclusive and inspiring for the next generation.
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Vijay Sharma
Trustee
Vijay Sharma
Trustee
Vijay was the first ever Managing Editor and Head of the BBC Asian Network, the National BBC Digital Radio Station. A qualified social worker Vijay has also worked as a Race Relations Advisor. She also has a portfolio career of Non- Executive and Trustee roles in a variety of sectors such the Higher Education, the NHS, with the children and young people’s Hospice and the Leicester and Leicestershire Community Foundation. Vijay has served as the Vice Chair of University of Leicester Governing Council, Vice Chair of the East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust and was the Chair of Leicestershire Healthwatch when it was first established.
Vijay holds an EMCC Diploma in Professional Coaching and Mentoring, is a Fellow of the Radio Academy and Pro Chancellor of the De Montfort University. Vijay has been recognised for her service with the award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from De Montfort University and the University of Leicester.
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Cathy Tyson
Trustee
Cathy Tyson
Trustee
Cathy has enjoyed working at Curve on WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, MY FAIR LADY, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.
Her performance as Polly in Help (Channel 4) was recognised in 2022 when she won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her breakout performance as Simone in Mona Lisa earned her multiple nominations, including a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress.
Theatre credits include: ROCKETS AND BLUE LIGHTS (National Theatre), GOLDEN GIRLS (RSC), THE STRING QUARTET’S GUIDE TO SEX AND ANXIETY, REBUS: LONG SHADOWS and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Birmingham Rep) and THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES (Mark Goucher).
TV credits include: BLUE LIGHTS (BBC), KAOS (Netflix), BLACK OPS (BBC), DUNE: PROPHECY (HBO), CRIMINAL RECORD (Apple TV+), BOILING POINT (BBC), WOLFE (Sky), and MATERNAL (ITV).
Film credits include: BANK OF DAVE (Netflix), HOARD (BBC), and MONA LISA (Handmade Films).
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Peter Chandler
Board Observer
Peter Chandler
Board Observer
Peter is the Director of Tourism Culture and Economy at Leicester City Council, and before that the Head of Economic Regeneration.
Peter has worked in and with the cultural and creative sector for more than thirty years. With a Masters in European Cultural Policy, he has worked a variety of roles in arts marketing, audience development, the museums and heritage sector, and the creative industries.
He launched and managed the award-winning creative industries workspace LCB Depot, going on to develop Leicester’s creative workspace portfolio at Makers Yard, Phoenix Square Workspace and the new creative design workspace Canopy. Peter has also led a range of business support, skills and sector development programmes to support the arts and creative industries.
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Charlotte Hodkinson
Board Observer
Charlotte Hodkinson
Board Observer
Charlotte is a Relationship Manager for Arts Council England. She specialises in theatre and works across the Midlands to support organisations and artists. She has worked as a producer for theatre, spoken word poetry, education projects and place-based cultural partnerships, including with Derby Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, Fuel and Mouthy Poets. She is a co-founder of 11:18 and has particular interests in international work, site-specific performance, sustainability and innovation. She has a BA in Spanish and French and an MA in Performance Making.
Box Office & Sales
To contact Curve’s Box Office team, email tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0116 242 3595.
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Claire Ward
Executive Director
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Stephen Chalmers
Head of Marketing & Sales
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John Boyle
Box Office Supervisor
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Jessica Dobbie
Box Office Sales Assistant
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Elizabeth Ellis
Box Office Coordinator
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Matt Flanagan
Box Office Sales Assistant
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Paula Konasionok
Box Office Supervisor
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Alex Rickells
Systems & Data Manager
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Josef Shepherd
Box Office Sales Assistant
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Emily Taylor
CRM & Data Assistant
Comms & Marketing
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Claire Ward
Executive Director
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Stephen Chalmers
Head of Marketing and Sales
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Fiona Moore
Head of Press and Digital
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Nicola Allen
Marketing and Access Manager
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Evanthe Gee
Press and Digital Content Trainee
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Clare Geeson
Senior Marketing Officer (Maternity Leave)
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Justin Gladwin
Graphic Designer
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Lisa Moran-Brain
Audiences and Access Coordinator
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Caitlin Plimmer
Senior Marketing Officer (Maternity Cover)
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Jonathan Pryke
Digital Content Coordinator
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Amy Thomson
Marketing Officer
Creative Programmes
Our Creative Programmes team deliver educational work for schools and universities, community engagement programmes, run Curve Young and Community Company groups and support and develop local artists.
To contact the team, email creativeprogrammes@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Kay Hardiman
Director of Creative Programmes
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Rosie Boxall
Creative Programmes Administrator
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Lorrine Douglas
Schools and Community Partnerships Manager
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Tamika Gore
Creative Programmes Facilitator
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Chandni Mistry
Creative Programmes Practitioner (Maternity Leave)
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Cara Nolan
Associate Director
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Jack Stark
Creative Programmes Practitioner (Maternity Cover)
Facilities & Housekeeping
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Karen Coleman
Head of Facilities
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Emma Atkins
Housekeeping Supervisor
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Paula Bassett
Housekeeper
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Maria Brito
Housekeeping Operative
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Ali Hassan Baz
Housekeeping Coordinator
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Brandon Gudgeon
Maintenance Technician
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Jaspreet Kaur
Housekeeper
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Ian Moss
Senior Maintenance Technician
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Dekka Omar
Housekeeper
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Katy Petzing
Maintenance Technician
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Leah Swinback
Housekeeping Operative
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Tracy Wyatt
Housekeeping Operative
Finance
To contact the team, email purchaseledger@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Steve Randall
Finance Director
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Pam Grant
Senior Finance Officer
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Pallvi Sharma
Finance Officer
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Diane Walker
Payroll Officer
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Kerry West
Purchase Ledger Assistant
Fundraising
To contact the team, email give@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Tessa Stanley-Price
Director of Fundraising
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Roberta Bernardelli
Senior Fundraising Officer
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Jo Dunn
Fundraising and Projects Manager
Hospitality
To contact the team, email contactus@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Claire Ward
Executive Director
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Daria Brzostowicz
Hospitality Supervisor
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Emily Burton
Hospitality Assistant
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Giovanna Cauchi
Hospitality Supervisor
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Euan Davies
Kitchen Apprentice
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Elianne Grant
Hospitality Assistant
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Hannah Holden
Food & Beverage Manager (Operations)
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Lucie Hyatt
Hospitality Assistant
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Binoy Jacob
Kitchen Assistant
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Rafail Karikas
Chef Supervisor
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Tom Nelson
Head Chef
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Leah Tookey
Hospitality Assistant
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Hattie Ventress
Hospitality Assistant
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Kara Walker
Hospitality Supervisor
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Alice Woodward
Hospitality Supervisor
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Ciara Wynne
Food & Beverage Manager (Customer Experience)
HR
To contact the team, email careers@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Shilpa Mistry
Head of People & HR
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Rob Hewson
HR Officer
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Kiera Madine
HR Administrator
IT
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Chris Tookey
Head of Systems Support & Projects
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Jake Murphy
Systems Administrator
Producing and Programming
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Nikolai Foster
Artistic Director
Nikolai Foster
Artistic Director
Nikolai is Artistic Director at Curve, Leicester, one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, described as ‘world class’ The Daily Telegraph and ‘a venue with a truly impressive musical pedigree’ The Times.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nikolai grew up in North Yorkshire and trained at Drama Centre London and at the Crucible, Sheffield.
He has created work for many of the UK’s major producing theatres, touring houses and international venues. Nikolai has been director on attachment at the Sheffield Crucible, the Royal Court Theatre and National Theatre Studio and served as an Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse. In 2024, Nikolai was awarded an Honorary Doctor of the Arts by Leicester’s De Montfort University for his contribution to theatre in Leicester.
Recently at Curve, Nikolai directed the world premiere of Rob Madge & Pippa Clearey’s BANK OF DAVE – THE MUSICAL and brand new productions of Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s KINKY BOOTS (London Coliseum, UK and Europe tours), Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach’s LEGALLY BLONDE (and UK tour), THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY, A CHORUS LINE (also at Sadler’s Wells, on tour in Japan and UK tour), Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s EVITA and THE WIZARD OF OZ (also at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London Palladium and UK tour), the first new UK production of Lee Hall & Elton John’s BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL (winner Best Musical Production UK Theatre Awards and Best Regional Production WhatsOnStage Awards), described as a ‘masterpiece’ by The Times, and Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s GREASE at London’s Dominion Theatre and extensive UK tours. During lockdown, Nikolai directed Curve’s first digital streamed production, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by The Telegraph. Nikolai has also directed a major revival of Bernstein, Sondheim and Laurents’ WEST SIDE STORY, Hanif Kureishi’s MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE (nominated for Best Regional Production at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2020), AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN – THE MUSICAL (and UK tours), Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS (also at the Dominion and on tour), the world-premiere of Dougal Irvine’s adaptation of Riaz Khan’s MEMOIRS OF AN ASIAN FOOTBALL CASUAL (winner Best Stage Production Asian Media Awards), SUNSET BOULEVARD (UK tour and winner Best Regional Production WhatsOnStage Awards), Joe Orton’s WHAT THE BUTLER SAW (with Theatre Royal Bath), Oscar Wilde’s THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (with Birmingham Rep), the Broadway musical SPRING AWAKENING (with NYMT), LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Opera Garnier, Monaco and Daegu Opera Festival, South Korea – Winner Best Musical – Daegu International Musical Festival Awards), Truman Capote’s BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (and Haymarket Theatre, London and UK tour), Roald Dahl’s THE WITCHES (with Rose Theatre Kingston, Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong, Leeds Playhouse and UK tour), Tennessee Williams’ A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Shakespeare’s RICHARD III, Timberlake Wertenbaker’s OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD and a performance to celebrate the reveal of the tomb of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral.
As Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse, he directed Orwell’s ANIMAL FARM, a new Sherlock Holmes story (THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Mark Catley), Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL (adapted by Bryony Lavery and Jason Carr), Louise Page’s SALONIKA and Amanda Whittington’s BOLLYWOOD JANE. At the Crucible Sheffield, Nikolai made his directorial debut with A CHORUS LINE (2003), later followed by productions of Sondheim’s ASSASSINS and Shaffer’s AMADEUS.
Nikolai has also directed acclaimed productions of Coward’s HAY FEVER (Chichester Festival Theatre), ANNIE (Piccadilly Theatre, London, Toronto, South Africa and extensive UK tours), Jonathan Harvey’s BEAUTIFUL THING (Arts Theatre, London), Shelagh Stephenson’s THE MEMORY OF WATER (Stephen Joseph Scarborough), Leoncavallo’s PAGLIACCI (English Touring Opera and Pegasus Opera), A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Theatr Clwyd), THE JUNGLE BOOK (Glasgow Citz), Barry Hine’s KES and Ayckbourn’s SEASONS GREETINGS (Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse), David Essex’s ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (UK tour), Coward’s final play A SONG AT TWILIGHT, Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN and Brecht’s THE GOOD PERSON OF SICHUAN (all Mercury Theatre, Colchester), THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (UK tour), Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT (Chester Storyhouse), THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (York Theatre Royal), MACBETH (Singapore Repertory Theatre), Dahl’s JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (UK tour), Ayckbourn’s ABSENT FRIENDS and Terry Johnson’s DEAD FUNNY (Oldham Coliseum), Tanika Gupta’s adaptation of Dickens’ GREAT EXPECTATIONS (Palace Theatre Watford and ETT) and Boucicault’s LONDON ASSURANCE and CALAMITY JANE at the Watermill (2010 and UK tour 2025).
Nikolai is a Director of Curve Productions Ltd, the producing arm for Made at Curve Productions.
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Helen Dobson
Head of Programming
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Mary Jayne Harding-Scott
PA to Artistic Director and Producing Assistant
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Adam McClelland
Producer (Made at Curve)
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Bentleigh Nesbit
Birkbeck Trainee Director
Visitor Experience and Operations
To contact the team, email contactus@curvetheatre.co.uk
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Stewart Smith
Director of Operations
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Michael Crowe
Senior Security Officer
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Lauren Haigh
Stage Door Receptionist
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Martin Hanley
Security Officer
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Kim Johnson
Duty Manager
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Fiona Nelson
Stage Door Receptionist
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Olivia Parker-Timms
Deputy Visitor Experience Manager
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Ashley Rushton
Duty Manager
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Emily Wall
Stage Door Receptionist
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Sarah Williamson
Visitor Experience Coordinator
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Amber Willmott
Stage Door Receptionist
Technical
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Jonathan Laidlow
Head of Technical
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James Dainty
Head of Stage & Automation
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Dave Norton
Head of Sound & Video
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Lucy Abbey
Creative Venue Technician Apprentice
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Lucy Brading
Stage & Automation Technician
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James Cladingboel
Senior Lighting Technician
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Nathan Clamp
Senior Lighting Technician
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Jack Clark
Sound & Video Technician
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Jack Harper
Senior Sound & Video Technician
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Joshua Hartshorn
Sound & Video Technician
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Joel Hassall
Lighting Technician (Followspot)
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Laura Haynes
Production Manager
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Ashley Holdom
Senior Lighting Technician
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Rebecca Hume
Technical Coordinator
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Gurinder Hunjan
Lighting Technician (Followspot)
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Lily Lewis
Senior Wardrobe Technician
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Eden Lorinson
Head of Wardrobe
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David Mainland
Sound & Video Technician
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Katie Marks
Senior Technical Coordinator
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Rachael Matthews
Assistant Head of Wardrobe
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Steph Modd
Lighting Technician
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Elliot Moore
Lighting Technician
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Rhys Parker
Senior Lighting Technician
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Jonathan Painting
Senior Stage & Automation Technician
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Jonathan Payne
Assistant Head of Lighting
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Martin Pickard
Production Carpenter (Properties)
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Milton Robinson
Stage & Automation Technician
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Jake Shaw
Stage & Automation Technician
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James Simpson
Assistant Head of Sound & Video
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Jasdeep Singh
Senior Stage & Automation Technician
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Benjamin Small
Assistant Head of Stage & Automation
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Fraser Tew
Stage & Automation Technician
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Georgia Thomson
Stage & Automation Technician
Youth Panel
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Edie Richards
Young Trustee
Edie Richards
Young Trustee
Edie is a Young Trustee at Curve Theatre, Leicester, dedicated to championing youth voice and widening access to the arts. Raised in Leicester’s creative community, she brings first-hand insight into how theatre can shape confidence, ambition and belonging.
Completing her BA (Hons) in Drama, Applied Theatre & Education at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Edie combines practical expertise in applied theatre and inclusive creative leadership with a strategic perspective on engagement and governance. She ensures young people’s voices are central to decision-making, helping Curve remain inclusive and inspiring for the next generation.
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Amy
Amy
Amy is in the final year of her Dance degree at De Montfort University, while also being a One Dance UK ambassador for 2025. Amy is keen to support the progression of dance in different settings and supports Moving Togethers Youth Company weekly as a placement student. She has recently supported Mass Movement at Curve as the Event Manager for the 2025 shows.
Amy wants to continue learning about the different roles within theatre spaces and events management as a potential career path, alongside community work.
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Asima
Asima
Asima is a passionate theatre enthusiast from Leicester. She studied English and Media at university, and during her spare time she enjoys presenting music as a radio host.
With an interest in community theatre and youth engagement, Asima aims to help in creating inclusive spaces for young creatives to blossom. Asima believes in the transformative power of the arts to inspire change and foster connections.
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Bethan
Bethan
Bethan is a dance artist who works in contemporary, hip hop and the street dance styles balancing her time between performing and teaching. Bethan trained at De Montfort University and later at University of Brighton for my PGCE in dance. She is keen to learn new things and being in and around Curve upskills her in other creative mediums such as acting and theatre.
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Hadija
Hadija
Hadija is currently studying a Dance Degree besides training at the Marshon Dance Company and being a One Dance Young Creative. Hadija freelances for the fabulous ACE Dance and Music and am a part time Social Media Creative for De Montfort University. Most recently, Hadija has become a Steering Group Member for Brum Pro class alongside resuming her role on the Youth Board for Curve.
Hadija loves how the arts allows others to escape their realities and be themselves without judgement. She also loves dancing Ballroom and Latin and equally enjoys all Hip-Hop styles and contemporary dance.
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Hoor
Hoor
Hoor is an LLB Law Graduate and young professional with extensive experience in campaigning and advising on policy across Europe to better engage young people in democratic processes.
Hoor is passionate about leveraging Theatre and the Arts to break societal boundaries and offer young people opportunities for liberation through creative expression.
As a member of Curve’s Youth Panel, Hoor is committed to fostering a more inclusive and accessible Arts culture within our city, where young people can confidently pursue their artistic passions and enrich their lives through Theatre.
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Jude
Jude
Jude has been involved with Curve since 2018 as a member of the CYCC Musical Theatre Group. Since then Jude has become an Assistant Practitioner and a member of the Curve Youth Panel. Jude is currently studying Musical Theatre in Surrey, whist still being involved with the panel.
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Sanah
Sanah
Sanah is a creative and ambitious student from Leicester, currently studying Accounting and Finance at university. She has a passion for singing and acting and is self-taught in guitar. She enjoys expressing herself through the arts and believes that creativity can flourish in any field.
Growing up, Sanah loved to create short musicals and plays with her sister for their family. She hopes to continue exploring her artistic side while building a career that blends both her analytical and creative strengths.