Wales’ arts leaders, centre-stage.
We have launched Inspire, a compelling new web series of in-depth conversations with some of the most influential figures working in theatre and the performing arts today.
Filmed via Zoom and hosted by award-winning BBC journalist Sian Lloyd, Inspire brings together six extraordinary voices to reflect on leadership, creativity and resilience. Each episode runs for approximately one hour, offering audiences a rare, unfiltered window into the minds of the people driving Welsh and British theatre forward.
“Inspire was born from a desire to celebrate and share the wisdom of the remarkable people who are shaping our industry. These are honest, generous, and deeply human conversations.” – Suzanne Bell, Director of Stiwdio Clwyd
Meet the interviewees
Episode One – Daf James
Daf James is a multidisciplinary queer artist: an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, composer and performer who works across theatre, radio, television and film in both English and Welsh.
Episode Two – Rakie Ayola
Coming Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Rakie Ayola is a producer and actress, a recipient of a BAFTA Best Supporting Actress Award, a BAFTA Cymru Best Actress Award and the prestigious BAFTA Cymru Siân Phillips Award. Her stage credits include the West End productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, alongside an extensive television career including Kaos, The Pact, Shetland and Doctor Who.
Episode Three – Daniel Evans
Coming Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Daniel Evans is a Welsh Olivier Award-winning actor and director who is currently Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Prior to his current role, he served as the Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre and Sheffield Theatres.
Episode Four – Jon Gilchrist MBE
Coming Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Jon Gilchrist MBE is Artistic Director and CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome. Previously he served as Executive Director of HOME Manchester and the Bush Theatre, London.
Episode Five – Kaite O’Reilly FRSL
Coming Wednesday 18 November 2026.
Kaite O’Reilly FRSL is a Wales-based multi-award-winning poet, playwright and dramaturg who writes for radio, screen and live performance, and is internationally known as a disability artist and activist.
Episode Six – Adele Thomas
Coming Wednesday 16 December 2026.
Adele Thomas is a Welsh opera and theatre director from Port Talbot. Her opera credits include productions at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and Opernhaus Zurich, and now serves as Co-General Director and CEO of Welsh National Opera.
