Wendy Harris

Artistic Director, Chair of PYA England

I have held the position of Artistic Director at Tutti Frutti since 2005, touring nationally and internationally, co-producing the Little Feet Festival of Children’s Theatre, and leading on our development programmes and arts engagement work.

Emma Killick

Executive Director

I have been with Tutti Frutti since 2004 and during that time have had two children of my own which has made my experience here all the more interesting and relevant. I am passionate about children’s theatre and still marvel that my day job can be such fun!

Sophie Backhouse

Sales and Marketing Manager (on maternity leave until May 2026).

Since graduating from York St John University in 2013 with a degree in theatre studies, I have worked at a small arts centre and within the rural touring sector. In January 2017 I joined the Tutti Frutti team. As Sales and Marketing Manager I am responsible for tour bookings and developing our online presence.

Emma Harrison

Marketing and Communications Manager (maternity cover)

With a career spanning over 20 years in marketing and communications, I am passionate about using storytelling to connect with audiences. I am focused on developing and delivering impactful campaigns for Tutti Frutti's shows and projects. I'm also responsible for nurturing our online community through social media and ensuring our website is an informative place to learn about everything we do.

Suvidha Saraf

Arts Engagement Coordinator

I am passionate about art and enjoy engaging communities and families in innovative, creative, and fun activities. I am well-travelled, which has enabled me to develop an inclusive approach, while having a rich appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.

Kirsty Smith

Admin and Operations Manager

I’m the Admin and Operations Manager at Tutti Frutti, with over a decade of experience as a touring stage manager. I’ve worked on productions worldwide, including two years touring the USA. With a strong background in theatre logistics and operations, I make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Matt Harper-Hardcastle

Chair, Diversity Champion

I am a Youth Theatre Practitioner for York Theatre Royal, an acting member of Playback Theatre York, Visiting Lecturer in Theatre at York St John University, and the Founder and Artistic Director of my own company, Next Door But One. Most recently, I took up the role of Charter Programme Manager for Parents and Carers in Performing Arts.

Colin Richmond

Safeguarding Lead, Health & Wellbeing Champion 

A proud Scotsman, I moved to Leeds following a promotion in a previous job, with the intention of staying for a year. That was in 1998. I still live in Leeds, where I practise as a barrister.

Joyce Nga Yu Lee

Data Lead

I'm a Hong Konger based in Leeds UK, and have worked internationally on devised and contemporary performances, ranging from intimate theatre pieces to large-scale outdoor spectacles, often incorporating digital technology. I am Artistic Director of Mind the Gap, England’s largest theatre company working in partnership with artists with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism.

Caroline Lister

I came to Leeds to study Psychology at the University and loved the city so much that I stayed. I went on to become a primary school teacher working in inner city schools. I have always valued the arts both in family life (I’m a mother of five boys) and at work, leading the subject in each school I have worked in.

Laura Bloor

I’m currently Programmer at Sheffield Theatres, where I bring a vibrant mix of visiting productions to the multiple venues. Before this, I spent over ten years working in marketing and communications roles at theatres across Yorkshire, including Leeds. 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.

Shirley Lundstram

I am the Head of Development at The Lowry, Salford, a leading UK arts centre, bringing over 20 years of experience in the cultural and heritage sectors. I specialise in strategic development, partnerships, and fundraising.

My career includes leading a national business resilience programme at Cause4, supporting 250 heritage organisations through Covid-19 challenges. Prior to this, I was Partnership Director at Northern Ballet for the Leeds Dance Partnership, positioning Leeds as an international dance centre. I also served as Strategic Development Manager for Culture and Leisure at Salford City Council.

Trained in theatre and dance (Bretton Hall College & Trinity Laban), I am currently a trustee for Fabric, a mentor for Koestler Arts and others, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Lyndsey Gardiner

I trained at Welsh College of Music and Drama (before it became Royal) in Stage Management and Technical Theatre. This led to a varied and exciting career in Stage Management, initially as a freelancer, and then culminating in a 13-year stint at Opera North, Leeds.

In 2019, I started teaching on the Theatre Design and Production courses at Leeds City College. This move opened up a new career path, and I now teach full-time on their BTEC courses. A few years ago, I helped to develop a Production Arts Foundation Degree course for University Centre Leeds, and I am now the Course Leader for that program.

I am currently working toward a Masters Degree in Theatre.

Jhardine Farrell

I am a senior consultant, leader, and innovator working at the intersection of education, culture, and the arts. I have shaped practice in the UK and internationally, having conceptualised transformative programmes including Virtual Schools and the Cultural Cohesion Framework- that continue to influence policy, inclusion, and educational outcomes. I hold an MA in International Education Management from the University of Leeds and an Executive MBA from Durham University.

A publisher of self-help books, journals, and children’s literature, I am an inspirational speaker and trainer for business and community organisations, empowering teams, women, and parents through impactful, growth-focused sessions. I am also a gospel radio host and gospel singer-songwriter. I serve as a director for Giddymoose creative hub; Tutti Frutti children’s theatre company; and Surraya Hanif Community Support CIC, supporting women escaping domestic abuse.

Maresia Liburo-Spencer

I have over 20 years’ experience working with Deaf children in nursery and school settings. I previously worked as a Deaf Instructor, supporting Deaf children in mainstream education and delivering BSL storytelling. I also deliver BSL sessions for families.

I have also been involved in Deaf pantomimes and Christmas plays at Leeds Deaf Centre. Currently, I work as a Specialist Support Worker supporting Deaf people with mental health. I am also a freelance BSL tutor and the founder of Black Deaf UK. I am passionate about ensuring Deaf children have equal access to arts and culture. 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.