Box Office: 01902 321 321
Email: arena@wlv.ac.uk
Box Office: 01902 321 321
Email: arena@wlv.ac.uk
/prod01/wlvacuk/media/departments/arena-theatre/images/fullwidth-banners/arena-header.jpg)
Neil Reading – Artistic Director
Name: Neil Reading
Contact details: Neil.Reading@wlv.ac.uk / 01902 322 373
Neil Reading became the Artistic Director of the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, in 2013. As a venue, the Arena boasts over 20 years of history of supporting theatre made for and by d/Deaf and disabled audiences and companies.
Neil graduated with an MA in ‘Directing for Theatre’ from St Mary’s University and a BA (Hons) in ‘Theatre Studies’ from University of Hull. Neil has been a theatre director and producer for the past eighteen years and has been involved with over 40 productions to date, he is also a founding member and company director of Beautiful Shadows Theatre Company. Neil’s primary focus is new writing and developing the next generation of theatre artists.
Recent works include, ‘Dark Tales in Winter’ by Matt Beames/Hannah Torrance (Arena Theatre/Beautiful Shadows), ‘Kukunor/Kalahari’ by Eero Enqvist (Arena Theatre and Tour) ‘Burning Books’ by Jess Green (Arena Theatre and Tour), ‘Dancing About Architecture’ by Kat Wootton (Arena Theatre and Tour), ‘Bert’ by Dave Pitt and a series of four plays from across Europe as part of the Creative Europe POPDrama Project. Neil has also directed for 14/48 in Wolverhampton, Leicester and Seattle.
Neil is passionate about developing the next generation of theatre artists and ensuring that the performing arts remains relevant and integral to the cultural fabric of all communities, creating initiatives such as Arena Collaborative Theatremakers and producing the 14/48 Wolverhampton satellite of 14/48 Festivals. As a director, Neil specialises in horror theatre and new writing, and ensures that Arena Theatre in-house produced performances are accessible to the widest possible audience.
Having recently stood down as the Chair of the Audio Description Association - a post he held for four years - Neil now sits on the board of the Sir Barry Jackson Trust.
Kirsty Povey-Dooner – Front of House and Access and Inclusion Manager
Name: Kirsty Povey-Dooner (Pove)
Contact details: k.povey2@wlv.ac.uk / 01902 322 532
Kirsty has been working in the Arts Industry for over 15 years, starting as an Arts Educator and actor, before pursuing a career backstage as a Stage Manager and Set Designer.
A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton she started working casually at the Arena in 2010. In 2012 she became a full-time member of staff, as one of the Arena Theatre’s Box Office Assistant.
In December 2014 Kirsty started acting up as the Access and Inclusion Officer, and started doing the role full time as of 2015.
In January 2020 Kirsty, will take on the role of Front of House and Access and Inclusion Manager. Kirsty firmly believes that everyone should be able to access the arts and experience the magic of theatre. Theatre is for everyone and can be made by everyone.
Sam Fleming – Front of House and Education and Outreach Manager
Name: Samantha Fleming (Sam)
Contact details: Sam.Fleming@wlv.ac.uk / 01902 322 646
Sam has worked in the education and arts industry since 2013, graduating from the University of Wolverhampton with a BA (Hons) in 'English', and an MA in 'English Literature'.
Sam started working at the Arena Theatre in 2014 as the Marketing Officer, liaising with 40+ theatre companies a year to create and deliver marketing and outreach strategy. During this time, she was responsible for the Arena Theatre brochure, social media channels and e-mail newsletter. She also created and project managed a number of marketing campaigns for Arena Theatre productions, including Kukunor/Kalahari and Dark Tales in Winter.
In 2020, Sam began the role of Front of House and Education and Outreach Manager at the theatre and currently oversees the education and outreach strategies for the Arena Theatre. Sam has developed new partnerships locally with City of Wolverhampton College, Halesowen College, Arts Connect, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation, as well as strengthening and deepening existing ones with Flexus Dance Collective and the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Sam works cross-departmentally within the University of Wolverhampton with colleagues from Access and Widening Participation, Aspire to HE, the School of Creative Industries, and the Aspiring Apprenticeships team to create opportunities for young people across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands. A keen collaborator, Sam is open to further partnerships and projects to bring the performing arts to young people across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands who struggle to access these opportunities otherwise.
Notable projects that Sam has responsibility for include the Grand Arena Youth Theatre, Project Xpedition, Play in a Week, PACKED OUT!, the theatre's Arts Award delivery programme, and the work experience offer at the Arena Theatre.
Stephen Payne – Technical Manager
Name: Stephen Payne (Steve)
Details: Steve.payne@wlv.ac.uk /01902 322 507
Steve Payne has worked at the Arena Theatre since 2007, initially joining as a Deputy Technician in the Technical Department. In 2009, Steve was promoted to the role of Technical Manager.
During his time as Technical Manager, Steve has overseen complete overhaul of the technical department and of the facilities and equipment at the Arena Theatre. Steve has worked hard to build and maintain the Arena Theatre's reputation as having one of the best technical departments in small scale in the county.
Steve's career outside of the Arena Theatre has as seen him working in most of the number one touring venues across the country and running a local hire and production company (MPS) all of which allows Steve to stay up to date with current industry practices and equipment.
Steve runs a tight ship, and maintains a high standard of organisation, he prides himself on the technical team’s ability to smash through get out times, of incoming companies and the high level of health and safety held at the Arena Theatre. Steve looks forward to leading the Technical Team at the Arena Theatre into the next stage of theatre entertainment.
Jonah Starkey - Senior Technician (Lighting)
Name: Jonah Starkey (Jonah)
Details: J.Starkey2@wlv.ac.uk / 01902 322616
Jonah began working at the Arena Theatre in 2023, initially as a Technician before being promoted to Senior Technician (Lighting) in 2024.
Joining the venue from The Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham, Jonah is responsible for the lighting provision of the venue and lighting designs for in-house productions such as Dark Tales in Winter. Following his arrival at the Arena, Jonah has gone on to freelance and build his reputation at fellow venues across the West Midlands such as the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, and Walsall Arena and Arts Centre.