About Us
The Team
We are a committed staff team of six people, and a dedicated board of six trustees.
See below for our staff and trustee biographies or visit the Contact Us page to get in touch.
Core Team
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!
Mosa Mpetha
Admin & Operations Manager I joined Tutti Frutti in 2015 and provide administrative support for the company as well as logistical and operational management of our tours, projects, and general business activity. I am also a film programmer, football player and all-round arts enthusiast.
Sophie Backhouse
Sales and Marketing Manager 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.
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.
Delicia Sorhaindo
Jerwood Resident Designer Delicia Sorhaindo made her debut as Assistant Designer with Leeds Playhouse on Nine Night. She previously worked with Leeds Playhouse on a wardrobe department placement during her time at Nottingham Trent University before returning as a freelance postgraduate. While on placement Delicia worked on R&D for So Much.
Joanne Bernard
Associate Movement Director Joanne trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds. She has 18 years performance experience working for a variety of companies including Ace Dance and Music (contemporary/African fusion), Foot in Hand (disabled and able-bodied dancers) and Tutti Frutti (children’s theatre).
Lladel Bryant
Tutti Frutti Club Associate Artist Lladel Bryant has enjoyed over 10 years in the industry performing as an actor. Lladel’s theatre credits include Nine Lives, Road, Europe, A Christmas Carol and The Night Before Christmas for Leeds Playhouse, Shed Crew and Bittersweet Sunshine for Red Ladder Theatre Company, Carnival Chronicles for Leeds West Indian Carnival & Committee Concrete Jungle for Manchester Fringe Festival.The Trustees
Colin Richmond
Chair 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.
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.
Stewart Thomas
I trained as a professional dancer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and gained a BA (Hons) degree in Performing Arts. I worked in children’s theatre where I joined Tutti Frutti in 1999 and performed in no less than 16 productions. I now work in a primary school as creative arts and dance coordinator.
Nick Stevenson
Sustainability Champion I am a Producer at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Previously I was Producer at Theatr Clwyd, leading the Producing & Programming team and producing their in-house work. I am Co-founder and was Executive Producer for Junction 8 Theatre, having previously worked at Nottingham Lakeside Arts and Lancaster Arts at Lancaster University.
Matt Harper-Hardcastle
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.