“I was Barbican Theatre’s co-founder and Chief Executive for 40 years.

We began the company in 1980 from a ground floor flat in Wyndham Street, Stonehouse with no financial resources, no grant income and no rehearsal space.

I attended the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and have a BA in English Literature. I have worked in the city for over 30 years as a teacher, producer, director, theatre practitioner and community facilitator.

My particular interest is in how arts processes can be used as a tool to empower individuals and communities to transform from within. I see our job as supporting people to learn the ‘means of production’ and to have a powerful voice through their Art.

I passionately believe that Art belongs to Everyone and that it should not be the preserve of a middle class elite. I have chaired many groups in the past, particularly groups looking at Equalities and Social Justice issues.

I am a graduate of the Clore Leadership Programme and was recently part of Plymouth Fairness Commission reporting on how to make the City a fairer place for all its citizens.”

Sheila is also Chair of the Plymouth Youth Performance Partnership and a member of the Plymouth Culture Board of Trustees.