We are very excited to name the first three theatre makers set to benefit from our trailblazing Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency scheme.

The game-changing initiative is the only leadership programme of its kind in the UK, created specifically to offer mid-career directors or theatre makers who identify as working class or from a low socio-economic background the opportunity to progress to artistic leadership via paid training roles.

With three leading partner venues announced as host venues earlier this year, we received more than 160 applications from creatives across the UK following an open call-out.

Following a rigorous selection process, the three director/theatre makers and partnering host theatres are:

• Rikki Henry – Bristol Old Vic: A Creative Technologist based in the UK, Rikki won the Nestroy Award for Best Federal State Performance for a production of Hamlet in Austria in 2020. He worked as an associate director at HOME in Manchester, as a recipient of the BBC Performing Arts Fellowship in 2015. In the same year he was recognised as the Genesis Future Directors Award.
• Jamie Sophia Fletcher – Leeds Playhouse: A director and musician specialising in musical theatre and new writing, Jamie brings a fiercely distinctive voice shaped by her experience as a northern, neurodivergent, queer, trans woman. Her previous work includes directing the critically acclaimed UK revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell & Stephen Trask (Leeds Playhouse & HOME).
• Yusra Warsama – Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse: Actor, writer and theatre practitioner, Yusra is also the founder of “Big Soul“, Her work takes many forms, and she has worked with artists from the likes of Don Letts to Shane Meadows. She has collaborated with many organisations from grass roots to international spaces.

From January 2026, the three Associate Artistic Directors will spend 18 months contributing to the strategic planning and delivery of their host theatre’s artistic programme, with the opportunity to direct a mid-scale production. They will also develop their craft as a director while learning about the role of an artistic or creative director in cultural leadership.

Nancy Medina, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rikki Henry as Bristol Old Vic’s Associate Artistic Director and are hugely grateful to the RTYDS’s Fair Play scheme for the vision and commitment towards addressing the systemic barriers present in our industry. Rikki has established himself as a director who can confidently navigate British and European theatre making at the highest of levels, always propelling himself forward along with his teams, casts and productions.  The leadership he has demonstrated in varying work environments has shown innovation, creativity and care.  He shares the values of Bristol Old Vic and most importantly loves and admires the cultural arts of Bristol and will no doubt be a propelling energy to connect in significant ways with the city and the South West”.

Tom Wright, Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jamie Fletcher to Leeds Playhouse as our new Associate Artistic Director. Jamie is a distinctive artist with a bold creative vision rooted in Yorkshire, and many will remember her outstanding production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch here at the Playhouse. She brings a values-led approach, a passion for developing new talent and a commitment to work that speaks directly to our communities. I’m excited about the energy and insight she’ll bring as we shape the next chapter of our artistic direction.”

Nathan Powell, Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse said: “I am so excited to welcome Yusra to the team! Working alongside RTYDS Fair Play and our colleagues in Bristol and Leeds, I am excited to dive in and explore how we look at class equity across the industry through this programme. Yusra brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the sector, across disciplines, and I know that E&P will benefit vastly from her work. I feel equally excited to be a part of offering the platform that will allow an artist like Yusra to thrive as a leader, the type of leader the sector needs.”

Fair Play launched in 2024 with the aim of advocating for a theatre industry which is robust and socially just, and where working-class leaders are recognised, developed and nurtured. The Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency reflects our strong commitment to the development of directors and theatre makers as cultural leaders, where there continues to be a significant lack of diversity. Just 13% of workers in the arts sector come from working class or low socio-economic backgrounds, meaning the percentage of those in leadership positions is even lower.

Sue Emmas, Artistic Director of RTYDS said: “The ask being made of artistic directors today is huge; they need to be entrepreneurs, fundraisers, politicians, with the ability to inspire a board and a workforce and at the same time make and facilitate exceptional art.  An even greater ask if you are from a low socio-economic background and face barriers to progression.

“Opportunities to learn this demanding skillset first-hand are rare which is why we have created this new opportunity.  As a director gets further into their career the chances to train are limited; there are few tailored, structured learning opportunities for artists wishing to learn about leadership and deepen their craft. This scheme covers it all. We are thrilled that Rikki Henry, Jamie Sophia Fletcher and Yusra Warsama will be joining Bristol Old Vic, Leeds Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse respectively. Exceptional artists who share with us this urgent need for change and we look forward to working together across the next 18 months.”

Rikki, Jamie and Yusra will join RTYDS for twenty per cent of their residency to deepen their understanding of the sector on a national level, as well as build relationships with other regional theatres and contribute to class equity advocacy work

Cat Shoobridge, Director and Co-Creative Lead of Fair Play added: “Rikki, Jamie and Yusra are all exceptional artists, and we are so excited to have them come join us at Fair Play, contributing to advocacy for working class directors and industry leaders. I look forward to seeing the impact they have on each of their host organisations and the work they’ll make together.”

The Fair Play Associate Artistic Director Residency is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.