We are delighted to announce the appointment of five new trustees to our Board: Laura Bloor, Shirley Lundstram, Lyndsey Gardiner, Jhardine Farrell, and Maresia Liburd-Spencer.
For over 30 years, we have created high-quality, innovative theatre for children aged 3+ and their families. From our base in Leeds, we produce a programme of brand-new stories and fresh adaptations of much-loved fairy tales and fables, touring to schools and theatres across the UK and to the USA. Alongside its touring work, we deliver impactful arts engagement for children in our Tutti Frutti Club, working in partnership with schools and libraries across Leeds.
We have recently completed a 12-week UK tour of Hare and Tortoise, including a successful Christmas run at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, and we are now touring the production for 18 weeks across the USA.
Wendy Harris, Artistic Director at Tutti Frutti, sad: “As I mark two decades at Tutti Frutti, I am thrilled to welcome five new Trustees to our organisation. They bring a wealth of knowledge from across the cultural and educational landscapes—insight that will be vital as we grow and continue our mission of creating fantastic theatre for children everywhere.”
Meet the New Trustees
Laura Bloor
Laura is a Programmer at Sheffield Theatres, where she curates a vibrant programme of visiting productions across multiple venues. Her experience includes over ten years working in marketing and communications roles at theatres across Yorkshire.
Shirley Lundstram
Shirley is Head of Development at The Lowry, Salford, with over 20 years’ experience across the cultural and heritage sectors. Her expertise spans strategic development, partnerships, and fundraising.
Lyndsey Gardiner
Lyndsey trained in Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and enjoyed a varied career in stage management. Since 2019, she has taught Theatre Design and Production at Leeds City College and is now Course Leader for the Production Arts Foundation Degree at University Centre Leeds.
Jhardine Farrell
Jhardine is a senior consultant and leader working at the intersection of education, culture, and the arts in the UK and internationally. She has designed influential programmes such as Virtual Schools and the Cultural Cohesion Framework, shaping policy and improving educational outcomes.
Maresia Liburd-Spencer
Maresia brings over 20 years’ experience working with Deaf children and families. Her background includes roles as a Deaf Instructor, BSL storyteller, and Specialist Support Worker in mental health. She is the founder of Black Deaf UK and a passionate advocate for accessible theatre.
Laura Bloor said, “I love how theatre tells stories that reach people in different ways, and I’m delighted to be a Trustee at Tutti Frutti, supporting their joyful work with children and families.” Maresia Liburd-Spencer added, “I strongly believe in accessible theatre experiences where Deaf children and their families can enjoy performances with BSL interpreters or signed integrated performance. I’m proud to be part of Tutti Frutti as a Trustee.”
Looking ahead to 2026, we are preparing for a busy programme of work. Our new show, Red Robin’s Winter Song, written by multi-award-winning writer Manjeet Mann (Off West End Award winner), is now open for venue bookings from October until the end of December 2026. A second festive production is also available for Christmas 2026 bookings: The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a heartwarming adaptation of Aesop’s fable written by Mike Kenny, before it embarks on its 2027 USA tour.