In celebration of International Women’s Day, we ask staff to tell us about the inspirational women in their lives. 

CATHERINE GOSS – WYVERN THEATRE
My Mum is one of five sisters, all of whom are/were fiercely independent, strong, and formidable characters. They were all born between the two World Wars, and my Gran raised them on her own (also a formidable woman!) I’m going to tell you about two of them:

My Auntie Pat was put into domestic service at a young age, she joined the auxiliary fire service (to learn to drive for free!), rode a motorbike at a time ‘young ladies’ where not supposed to, worked in a male-dominated car industry and was one of the first single women in England to secure a mortgage and buy a house in her own right (without a male guarantor). She would always say ‘To be told what to do by a MAN? They would only try it once!’ She joined Soroptimist International and became President of Torquay & District Club where she spent her time organising events and tirelessly fundraising.

After leaving school at 16 and working only one day in a Tobacconist, Auntie Sylvia persuaded my Gran to let her join the Women’s Royal Army Corps. She was one of only two women attached to the Parachute Regiment and travelled the world including postings in Cyprus, Malaya, Hong Kong and Libya. In 1957 in Tripoli, she assisted with the security of Sir John Mills, Sylvia Syms and Anthony Quayle who were filming the British war film ‘Ice Cold In Alex.’ In 1974, she stood in for HM The Queen for the dress rehearsal of the presentation of new Colours, subsequently receiving the new Colours and a letter personally signed by HM The Queen. She completed her 25 years of army service and then worked for the MOD Whitehall.

ZAC BUSH – THEATRE ROYAL SYDNEY
Mark (TRS Bar Duty Manager) and I would like to recognise Tracy Creasy (Finance Manager) and Houri Tapiki (General Manager) here at Theatre Royal Sydney. We want to thank them for their comradery, guidance and mentorship as we have stepped into our new roles here in management at TRS; and acknowledge the hard work and hours they have put in to building this place into a successful venue / flagship for TEAP.

• 

• 

ROSIE FIELD – CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY
One of the most inspirational women in my life is my sister, Alex. To me, she represents the ultimate example of women supporting women. She deserves the prize for the world’s best hype-woman and cheerleader. Sometimes I come off the phone with her and I genuinely believe I can do anything I set my mind to, such is the power of her support. She has recently encouraged me to join Women on Boards and start a Board career, which is something I would never have thought of doing without her input.

Not only is she the smartest and funniest person I know, she always gives the best advice and offers a balanced, interesting and thoughtful perspective on things. The impact she has on my life is enormous and I feel like she makes me a better person. I don’t know how she manages to absolutely kill it at work, and balance an extremely busy family life. She would be the first to critique the ‘women can have it all’ narrative, and yet honestly, she’s a marvel. I feel very lucky to have such an inspirational woman in my life.

MARTIN SCORER – TRAFALGAR THEATRES
I’d like to recognise Emily O’Dell as being an inspiration to me during my time working for TE. Emily provided me and all the team at the then Trafalgar Studios invaluable support and reassurance, both at the time when we transferred from ATG to Trafalgar Entertainment in May 2017 and over the following years. Since then, she has continued to motivate and encourage me, and I find her energy and willingness to meet any challenge, along with her loyalty, commitment and dedication, genuinely something to aspire to.

ELLE PETHURST – WYCOMBE SWAN
One of many incredible women in my life is my fabulous almost-93-year-old grandmother. She’s an African-American woman who grew up in Harlem, New York in the ’30s and ’40s. She’s ridiculously intelligent and was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1950 to do a Postgraduate Degree at London University. She travelled over the Atlantic on a ship during a period of Racial Segregation, and married my grandfather, raised 3 children and had a long and fulfilling career in academia for many years. She’s now living a relaxed life like the queen that she is, and loves to play Scrabble (in Russian!) with her friends.

• 

• 

LUCY HARRINGTON – CHURCHILL THEATRE BROMLEY
My mother, Sue Douglas recently received a Special Recognition award for Outstanding Community Service from the local council. She has lived in Longham, Norfolk, for 45 years, alongside a full-time job and raising two children as a single parent. She has for most of those years been on the Parish Council and the committees for the church and village hall. She has organised numerous fundraising and community events such as group theatre trips, fetes, craft events and dances. At 75, she continues to be an active part of her community, is currently the Chair of the Parish Council,  performs in a local band as a singer and is an inspiration to me.