After a childhood spent between a remote Greek fishing village and the urban delights of Wolverhampton, Rebecca turned to the theatre as an alternative form of therapy to help make sense of her conflicting cultural inheritance.

Following a brief detour for a degree in Ancient History, she trained as a director at RADA and then jobbed about as a freelancer working for companies like Scottish Opera, Shakespeare's Globe and Battersea Arts Centre. Then in 2008 she founded Arch 468, a theatre production and development company focussed on touring innovative new theatre before joining Ovalhouse (now Brixton House) from 2010 to 2016 as Director of Theatre.

These days she is a multi-award-winning writer, director and producer for stage, screen and audio, working across the UK and internationally. Since moving to Mull to take up the post of Chief Executive & Artistic Director at AT & MT she has been delighted to discover that there are more similarities between Greek fishing villages and Hebridean island communities than you might expect. She loves rambling about the island with her husband Andy and their friendly but highly strung poodle, Nym.

Rebecca@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Fin’s musical journey began in Inverclyde at 14 when a rugby injury sidelined him and sent him stumbling into the music department. Trading tackles for tunes, he quickly picked up instruments and started songwriting. He left school to pursue music full-time, studying a BA in Songwriting at BIMM Brighton/University of Sussex. From solo gigs to session work, Fin was a familiar face in sweaty venues, playing everything from heartfelt originals to rowdy basslines for whoever needed a hand (or a guitar).

When lockdown hit, Fin took the DIY Bedroom Pop route, cranking out his own tracks while working at BrokeNFamous Records. His knack for storytelling and a talent for digital campaigns led him to Edinburgh, where he earned an MSc in Digital Campaigning and Content Curation at Queen Margaret University. Post-degree, he returned to the arts scene, drawn by fond memories of his late grandfather and their shared love for Scottish theatres (and probably the snacks).

Fin’s skillset is as varied as his gigs. He has written copy for Gaelic publisher Luath Press, the Comms for shows like Disney’s Aladdin and The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse, and Digital Marketing for bands like Tidelines and Hue and Cry at Beacon Arts Centre. Now, he’s off to the Isle of Mull—a place he has been dreaming about since his childhood holidays, filled with fresh air and questionable weather. Ready to embrace island life, Fin plans to learn more Gaelic, finish his debut album and dive into the creative world of An Tobar and Mull Theatre. The island’s got the landscapes—he’s bringing the tunes.

Finlay@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Louise was brought up in Plymouth but escaped to Scotland as soon as was practically possible. She graduated from Aberdeen University with a degree in English and Philosophy and a deep love of theatre, becoming part of the Aberdeen amateur theatre community. She quickly discovered that being backstage was far more fun and interesting than being onstage. She worked as a secretary and administrator for a decade whilst building her skills in the amateur theatre world, and then began her professional career at the Sage Gateshead, before moving to Northern Stage in Newcastle.

Louise has spent the last ten years travelling the world as a freelance Production/Stage Manager and Lighting/Sound Designer with various small and mid-scale theatre, dance and live art projects, and has worked on a number of festivals and award-winning shows. Louise also runs NAVIGATE, a programme for emerging artists based in Scotland who face barriers to making work and which helps develop their practice.

Louise came to the island with a theatre project in May 2022, and quickly fell under its spell. She is delighted to be moving here permanently and excited by the opportunities for walking, wildlife, writing and swimming. She also loves learning languages and has recently been adding Gaelic to her portfolio.

Louise@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Get ready to meet the one and only Calum, a man with a knack for art, business, and defying the odds. After graduating in Printmaking at Falmouth School of Art, he found himself at a crossroads. While most people would jump at the chance to house-share in the hip neighbourhood of Crouch End, Calum had other plans—more specifically, plans that involved embracing the remote and slightly wilder side of life in Tobermory.

With an entrepreneurial spirit burning within him, Calum wasted no time in starting his own design and promotional company. With the support of PSYBT and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, he fearlessly ventured into the world of business. Of course, life occasionally threw him a curveball, leading him to spend four memorable years managing an electronics company in Essex. But the siren call of Tobermory was too strong to resist, and he found himself drawn back to the wild embrace of Mull, where he has lived and worked ever since.

Calum's artistic endeavours have earned him recognition and membership in esteemed organizations like the Society of Scottish Artists and Visual Arts Scotland. He's no stranger to the spotlight, having exhibited his work in prestigious venues such as the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

Despite living in one of the most remote corners of the UK, Calum has managed to defy nature itself. Even the notorious west coast weather couldn't diminish his Essex glow. His fake tan remains intact, proving that he's not just an artist and entrepreneur, but a true master of self-preservation and a beacon of bronzed resilience.

So, if you happen to stumble upon Calum in Tobermory, you'll be greeted by a man who's not afraid to chase his dreams, embrace the untamed beauty of the Scottish wilderness, and rock a tan that would make even the sun jealous.

Calum@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Born and raised on the captivating Isle of Mull, Mary decided to venture off to Lincolnshire for school during her teenage years. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of a wild and unpredictable adventure.

Throughout her journey, Mary explored various roles in the equestrian and finance industries, proving that she's not one to shy away from diverse experiences. But life had a few surprises up its sleeve for Mary. In a plot twist that no one saw coming, she found herself pursuing an undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Birmingham. Who would have thought that a Mull native would end up in the realm of legal jargon and courtroom dramas?

However, fate works in mysterious ways. After enduring the stress and chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary experienced a moment of pure joy. She made her triumphant return to her beloved home, back to the place that had played such a significant role in shaping her upbringing—the illustrious An Tobar and Mull Theatre. It's safe to say that Mary was over the moon to be back on familiar soil, surrounded by the creative energy that had always resonated with her soul.

In her current role as the events and front of house manager, Mary has found her true calling. Not only does she get to immerse herself in the vibrant world of theater and events, but she also holds a key responsibility—the wine cupboard. Yes, you read that right. Mary, the guardian of the wine cupboard, ensures that the key to unlocking a world of fermented delights is safely in her hands. Talk about a position of power!

So, if you find yourself at An Tobar or Mull Theatre, keep an eye out for Mary. With her Mull roots, diverse background, and an unbreakable bond with the wine cupboard, she's a force to be reckoned with. She brings a touch of island magic, a dash of legal expertise, and a love for all things theatrical to her role, making her a truly unforgettable member of the team.

Mary@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

It has often been said that Mark came out of the womb singing. He sang before he talked, and he danced before he walked. Growing up in a sleepy Oxfordshire town, it wasn’t long before he had his sights set on the bright lights of the West End.

After training in Musical Theatre at Arts Ed London, he worked as a professional performer for over fifteen years, appearing in tours and original West End musicals like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Elf. In 2012, Mark felt the need to pass it on, so he branched out into musical theatre education, receiving his degree from Middlesex University, and has since taught and choreographed at many of the top musical theatre institutions in the U.K.

Mark has always said that theatre changed his life, but the bright lights no longer have the pull they once did and Mark now prefers to leave the dancing to those who can still do the splits. Theatre will always be in his blood, as will his Scottish roots on both his maternal and paternal sides, so changing the lives of others by creating theatre with An Tobar and Mull Theatre seems like the perfect fit.

Mark@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Micah was born in South Africa and grew up on a farm in the south of England. Her career has been split between development work, academia, and the creative arts. She is currently finishing her doctorate at the University of Oxford, where her research focuses on the performance of late medieval carols. She is passionate about public engagement with research and regularly gives talks about her academic work, most recently appearing as a guest on HistoryHit’s Gone Medieval podcast. Her journey into fundraising began with a graduate scheme in development at Christ Church, Oxford. In January 2021 she relocated to Edinburgh to take up the position of Development Manager for Dunedin Consort, a world-leading baroque ensemble. She is excited to begin fundraising for An Tobar and Mull Theatre, helping to support new artistic initiatives in a creative and forward-thinking environment.

Outside of fundraising and academia, Micah is also an aspiring writer. She has written lyrics for classical crossover artists Rodney Earl Clarke and Georgi Mottram and has recently finished her first play.

Micah@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Tim has always been obsessed with sound and music. As a child, he religiously recorded theme tunes from the television and he can remember buying almost every record in his vast collection! Throughout his career Tim has collaborated with artists and designers on sound design for a diverse range of film and installation projects, from the toilets at Little Chef restaurants to writing scores for film and television.

Alongside his freelance practice, he has worked at the Royal College of Art since 1996. Initially in the influential Design Interactions department and more recently leading on sound within the Moving Image Studios. He currently divides his time between remote teaching at the Royal College and his new role for An Tobar and Mull Theatre.

Tim@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Meet the one and only Karen, the finance and HR guru who brought her expertise to Tobermory in 2016 to work her magic at An Tobar and Mull Theatre. With over 30 years of experience in a variety of industries, including the arts, banking, retail, and tourism, Karen is like a financial wizard who can juggle numbers and spreadsheets with ease. She's the ultimate multitasker who knows how to make things happen.

But let's talk about Karen's not-so-secret hobby that truly sets her apart. When she's not crunching numbers or making sure everyone gets paid, she transforms into a rockstar in her own right. Yes, you read that correctly. Picture this: Karen, clad in her running gear, joyfully belting out Morrissey tunes at the top of her lungs. Her destination? The nearest campsite, where she can settle down, brew a delightful herbal concoction, and take in the mesmerizing view. And of course, she's not alone. By her side is Ziggy, her faithful dog, and her supportive husband, Nick, who probably can't help but be in awe of her unique musical talent.

Karen's ability to combine the unexpected, from her finance prowess to her impromptu campsite concerts, is what makes her a truly remarkable and entertaining character.

So, if you are ever in Tobermory, keep your ears open for the sound of Morrissey echoing through the airwaves. It just might be Karen, taking a well-deserved break from her financial feats to remind us all that life is about embracing the unexpected, singing our hearts out, and savouring the simple pleasures with our loved ones by our side.

Karen@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Glasgow-born Andi gained her Dance and Drama degree at Liverpool University and has been teaching for more than 40 years in schools, universities, theatres… and prisons! Andi trained at the London Contemporary Dance School and performed in West End theatre and TV, moving on to launch her own dance centre in Manchester.

Many years of sailing the West Coast of Scotland led to the inevitable love for and move to the isle of Mull. Bringing with her a long-suffering husband and two amazing, beautiful daughters, a clinker-built dinghy and a quite mad border collie, to take ownership of The Tobermory Hotel (Andi is always performing!)

Andi is the director of Mull Youth Theatre and the Tidal Dance Company. Since forming both in 2010 they have had success with various performances and tours, working in collaboration with Mull Theatre and other theatre companies. Many of Andi’s students have found the support from these groups invaluable in their own professional art careers.

Andi@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Eugenie is our Part-Time Administrator and Cafe Assistant at An Tobar so is multiple hat-wearing and has a tourism business renting out accommodation, hot tubs and camper vans! Eug has lived on Mull since 2011 raising her family and enjoying the rural life and loving everything to do with the sea; boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing and boogie boarding being her favourite hobbies.

In 2017 Eug decided to sharpen her admin skills and took on an HNC in Admin and IT that led to a Diploma in Higher Education in Business and Management and a job at Argyll college, while she did her studies.

Having worked in theatre as a young person she is delighted to be back working in the Arts.

Eugenie@antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk

Please meet Bryan, a man with a truly eclectic background and a knack for mixing things up, both behind the bar and underwater. Born in South Africa Bryan brings a unique blend of cultural influences to his current role as the manager of the Western Isles Hotel. But that's not all—this man is a certified SCUBA instructor who knows how to make bubbles in more ways than one.

When Bryan isn't busy shaking up delicious cocktails and managing the hotel, he dives headfirst into the underwater world with his trusty SCUBA gear. Imagine him, gracefully gliding through the depths, searching for hidden treasures beneath the waves. But he's not just after buried treasure—oh no! Bryan has a particular affinity for scallops, and he's not afraid to don his snorkel and forage through seaweed to find those succulent delights of the sea.

With his music production background and business management skills, Bryan is a true Renaissance man who knows how to keep the rhythm flowing in both his professional and aquatic adventures. He's the maestro of mixing drinks and the master of the underwater symphony.

So, the next time you find yourself at the Western Isles Hotel, keep an eye out for Bryan. You might catch him expertly crafting a cocktail with one hand while his other hand gestures to the sea, hinting at the watery adventures he embarks on during his free time. With his love for making bubbles, foraging for scallops, and snorkelling through seaweed, Bryan adds a splash of excitement to the hotel scene and ensures that both guests and marine life alike have a truly unforgettable experience.

Alessandro Bucci is an accomplished cultural leader with a proven track record in transforming organisation and expanding the reach of their work. He is currently the Director of Holocaust Centre North, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Alessandro’s expertise spans strategic planning, artistic programming, stakeholder management, governance, and fundraising. He is particularly proud of two key initiatives: Homeward Bound – which enabled the Centre to catalogue its collections and make them accessible remotely for the first time, while expanding its archive by over 10,000 new acquisitions in just one year – and Memorial Gestures, a residency programme for contemporary artists, writers, and translators that has given a platform to previously unheard voices, reframing memory through contemporary critical perspectives.

As Deputy Director of the National Arts Fundraising School, Alessandro also helps a range of organisations diversify their funding streams and develop sustainable financial strategies. He has overseen the expansion of the Holocaust Centre North team from 2 to 12 members, fostering a supportive and dynamic working environment.

Natasha brings a rich background and diverse range of interests. Hailing from rural Leicestershire, she enjoyed a content childhood that fostered her love for exploration and travel. Over the past decade, Natasha has resided on Mull, where she has sought to embrace life fully and share her experiences with others.

Adventures and travel opportunities hold a special place in Natasha's heart, as do nature, animals, health, well-being, music, performing arts, art, photography, and reading. Her passion for these areas is evident, and she constantly seeks to deepen her knowledge and appreciation for them. Furthermore, Natasha is a devoted mother to her young daughter and deeply values the time she spends with her family and friends.

Natasha's drive and determination have shaped her career trajectory, particularly in her dedication to supporting children in their learning and educational development. Her journey began as a voluntary youth assistant within a local Brownies Girl Guides group, where she discovered her passion for working with young minds. Since then, she has continually expanded her experiences and professional learning, assuming various roles that span from infancy to adolescence. Her commitment to her craft led her to become a registered early years practitioner and primary teacher.

Notably, Natasha holds a degree in Zoo Biology, which she earned in 2011. Her fascination with animal conservation, research, and education has driven her involvement in facilitating educational workshops and engaging in charity work. Through these efforts, she has successfully provided children with meaningful opportunities to learn through interactions with animals.

As a board member, Natasha's unique blend of expertise in education, her passion for diverse interests, and her commitment to children's development make her an invaluable asset to our organization.

Catriona is an award-winning writer, director and cabaret performer from Tobermory. 

She has worked in the box office of Mull Theatre, the An Tobar cafe and as administration assistant.  

Her first solo and self-produced show Cat Loud’s Big Night In debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to five-star reviews and subsequently toured the UK. Apocalypse cabaret To the End of the World! won a VAULT Festival Origins Award for Outstanding New Work. She was selected for the BFI-funded Convergence screenwriting course with Short Circuit, was awarded one of Vanishing Point’s Everyone Is Creative grants, has been commissioned as part of GMAC’s Little Pictures filmmaking scheme to make her first short, is in the Glasgow Film Festival New Talent scheme, and was assistant director on Every Brilliant Thing. 

She’s passionate about telling stories from a Hebridean perspective and is looking to establish solid links between rural communities and the film industry.

Martin was the first beneficiary of An Tobar and Mull Theatre’s Druimfin Writer’s Residency in early Spring 2020 and he loved it. He’s a poet, editor and critic living in north-east Scotland. Martin has published three poetry collections: The Waiting Hillside (Templar, 2011), Cur (Shoestring, 2015) and The Unreturning (Shoestring 2019). Larksong Static: Selected Poems 2005-2020 was published by Hedgehog Poetry in December 2020. In addition, he has published 4 pamphlets: 17 Landscapes (Bluegate Books), Prodigals (The Black Light Engine Room), Mr. Willett’s Summertime (Poetry Salzburg), Shetland Lyrics (Hedgehog).

A poem written about Iona during the Druimfin Residency was highly commended in last year’s Ginkgo Prize for landscape poetry. Martin reviews for Poetry Ireland Review, Poetry Wales and Poetry Salzburg Review. An editor at Poetry Salzburg, Poetry Ambassador for the Scottish Poetry Library and Honorary Research Fellow in English & Creative Writing at Aberdeen University, he has a PhD in poetry from Sheffield University. Before all this, he was a guitarist, singer, songwriter and sound engineer/ producer in a variety of rock bands from the age of 16. Martin is a willing collaborator across creative disciplines and is currently working with the print-maker Bryan Angus and composer Pete Stollery on a book and sound setting of his long poem Gardenstown. Martin’s website can be found here

Matt is the Head of Policy, Research and Communications at the UK National Commission for UNESCO. He supports the coordination of the UK Government’s policy positions at UNESCO and implementing its programmes in education, science, culture, communication, and information, under the aegis of the UK’s Ambassador to UNESCO and the HMG Senior Responsible Officer.

An Archaeologist by training, with an MA in international relations, economics and diplomacy, he was previously the Senior Parliamentary Advisor at Historic England and Policy and Communications Manager at The Heritage Alliance. Matt’s Mclaren forebears farmed Ballimackillichan Croft on Lismore for hundreds of years, inspiring Matt’s commitment to sustaining the culture of the Inner Hebrides and his extensive work on Intangible Cultural Heritage projects across Scotland.

Sue is Vice-Chancellor at Bath Spa University, a regional university with an arts and humanities focus. Prior to this role, she held senior leadership positions at the Universities of Lincoln and Edinburgh.

Sue chairs the Cultural Compact for the West of England and has developed a Cultural Strategy and Strategic Plan supported by the unitary and regional authorities alongside Arts Council England.

Sue has a background as an academic palaeontologist, and has a national profile in learning and teaching. She sits on the Board of the Quality Assurance Agency and recently led a project to revise the credit framework for England, which is the base-code for degree design.

She is a strong advocate for creativity in education and sits on the board of Project Trust. She Chairs the Board of Trustees of Student Minds, a national charity focussed on student mental health and wellbeing.

Sue is an honorary fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge and an honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh.

Golda is a Guyanese-British actress and singer. Born in Guyana to a Guyanese father and an English mother, she moved to the UK when she was five.

Golda's notable theatre roles include Serena in Porgy and Bess at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe and, a female Othello in Othello at the Liverpool Everyman.

She plays Queen Charlotte in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton produced by Shonda Rhimes and was Shadout Mapes in Denis Villeneuve's Dune (Warner Bros).

She has holidayed on Mull since she was a child and is proud to join An Tobar and Mull Theatre as patron.

Born and raised in Dumfries, Nicky Spence is a Scottish operatic tenor who performs in opera, oratprio, and recital in the UK and internationally. His unique skills as a singing actor and the rare honesty in his musicianship have earned him a place at the top of the music profession.

The 2021/22 season sees Nicky make his role debut as Siegmund in a new production of Die Walküre for the English National Opera directed by Richard Jones and conducted by Martyn Brabbins. Nicky will also return to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as Laca in Claus Guth’s new production of Jenůfa conducted by Henrik Nánási and as Samson in Richard Jones’ new production of Samson et Dalila opposite Elīna Garanča and conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano. Nicky also makes his debut at the Deutsche Staatsoper in the 2021/22 season, as Gregor in Věc Makropulos, another new production by Claus Guth and conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.

Future seasons see Nicky return to La Monnaie, L’Opéra national de Paris and the Metropolitan Opera.

Nicky gives recitals internationally, appears in concert extensively and records prolifically. Upcoming recital appearances include Wigmore Hall, La Monnaie, the Janáček Brno International Festival and the Two Moors Festival.

Photo credit: Ki Price.