Patrons & Trustees

Katy is UK based freelance theatre programmer with over 14 years experience across the small, studio and mid scale with a particular passion for drama, new writing, dance, circus and work for young audiences as well as work in non-theatre settings including libraries, outdoors and community venues. She was Programming Director at Oxford Playhouse between 2012 and 2017, leaving to take up the post of Head of Programming at NST in Southampton and supporting their expansion into a new building. She has also worked at The Theatre Chipping Norton and Northampton Arts Management Trust. She has recently programmed the Hall for Cornwall’s re-opening season and guided their implementation of new systems and processes. She is also mentoring a trainee programmer at Pegasus Theatre in Oxford and is an Edinburgh Fringe programming associate, helping delegates navigate the festival programme.

Whilst at Oxford Playhouse she co-founded Offbeat festival, and also established Make It SO at Nuffield Theatres Southampton as a platform for local artists to show new work. She has mentored and supported artists and companies both through formal development programmes, such as No Strings Attached and Evolve, and informal ‘cup of tea’ chats.

As well as her freelance work she is currently working for Farnham Maltings to support Buckinghamshire Library Service and community organisers across the county to use their spaces for cultural activity that enhances well-being and encourages exploration. She also works with house, a venue network and touring initiative in South East England that supports theatres, arts centres and artists to develop audiences and create a long-term infrastructure for touring.

A Banbury resident for 15 years, Katy had her marriage reception at The Mill and is an advocate for its place within the town and local community.

Karen qualified as a linguist and has lived in the Banbury area since 1980. She has enjoyed a varied career, initially in the commercial security industry and subsequently supporting her husband in running their own businesses before moving into Local Government. For over 23 years, she worked in Cultural Services for Oxfordshire County Council, managing its Public Library, Museum, Local History and Archive services, as well as having an involvement in Arts and Community Development. Being a keen theatre, cinema goer and an advocate for live music and with a son who is a writer/film director, she is a strong supporter of The Mill and has been a Trustee since 2015 and is currently Vice-Chair.