Theatre maker Victoria Briggs, Theatre Producer Lizanne Smith-Head and Solicitor Mike Wilson have joined the board, bringing with them extensive expertise and experience of the cultural sector and legal sector.
Lizanne is a graduate of the University of Winchester with a degree in choreography and dance. She is currently Senior Producer for ZoieLogic Dance Theatre in Southampton, where she leads on the production of public events, community projects and national touring. She has extensive experience in facilitating workshops, managing consultations and providing support for people of all ages and walks of life in the arts and social care sectors.
Victoria Briggs is a theatre maker from Salisbury. She has held leadership positions at regional arts organisations including MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton and Salisbury Playhouse (now Wiltshire Creative) as well as London’s Roundhouse, among others. As a theatre director Victoria creates political work with something to say about the world and magical and multisensory productions for children and families. Her current work includes an adaptation of Jan Fearnley’s Christmas classic – Little Robin Red Vest – co-produced with Filskit Theatre, and a new children’s opera – The Vanishing Forest – for English Touring Opera. She is also collaborating with community groups in Southampton, Gosport, Salisbury and Eastleigh to develop Earth Mother, a new show about the climate crisis, supported by MAST, Wiltshire Creative and The Point, and in partnership with University of Southampton’s Sustainability & Resilience Institute.
Mike Wilson is a solicitor and Head of the Lymington office of Moore Barlow Solicitors. He specialises in property law and originally connected with Forest Forge when the company moved premises at the end of 2023. As well as leading the team in Lymington Mike is often appointed as Attorney and by the Court of Protection for those who are no longer able or wish to deal with such matters themselves.
Lizanne, Victoria and Mike join the board at an exciting time, as the company has recently announced a new leadership team. Forest Forge, a registered charity, has been an important part of the cultural life of the New Forest for over 40 years. In 2023 the company moved premises to a new location in Ringwood from where they create new theatre productions and deliver workshops to over 100 people, including adults, young people and those with learning disabilities, each week. Following the move Forest Forge is creating ambitious new programmes and activities that use theatre to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Activities will include creating new flexible ‘suitcase story’ performances available to tour to schools, the development of the beloved Christmas Show and enhancement of the current participatory programmes including increasing opportunities for young people to take part in theatre making. Alongside all this, the company are thrilled to be increasing their support for local theatre artists by re-igniting their artist development strand, offering training and mentorship support to creatives in the New Forest and beyond.
The trustee roles are voluntary and the three new members join the existing board which already includes experts in local government and health and wellbeing, charity governance and marketing and communications.
Lizanne says:
“I met Forest Forge’s Co-Artistic Director’s Lucy and Jo just 18 months ago and was immediately captivated by their energy, passion and unwavering commitment to the community they serve. I am thrilled to be supporting the Forest Forge team as a trustee, especially at such an exciting time in the organisation’s development.”
Victoria echoes this excitement, saying:
“Early in my career I was supported to become a workshop assistant, then a facilitator with the company. The training and guidance that Forest Forge gave me was incredible – it gave me such a valuable grounding in facilitation that the rest of my career is built on! The forest is a special place, and Forest Forge is a special company. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter for Forest Forge.”
Dr Miranda Bentinck, Chair of the Forest Forge Board, says:
“We are delighted that Lizanne and Victoria have joined the Forest Forge board. They bring with them knowledge and skills that I know will support the staff team and the rest of the board achieve our ambitions plans.”