Our Team

Theatr Iolo team sit together on a garden wall. There are four members of the team - two women and two men. — Theatr Iolo team

Lee Lyford

Artistic Director & Chief Executive

I have been Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Theatr Iolo since 2018. As Artistic Director I am responsible for envisioning and delivering our artistic programme. This element of my role means I get to choose what shows we present and what artists we work with to create them. Being Chief Executive means the buck stops with me!

I grew up and went to school in Croydon, South London. I trained as an actor before becoming a director. As a director I worked for many years at the egg theatre in Bath, a theatre dedicated to making work for young people and family audiences. I have also worked as a freelance director, directing plays at a number of theatres including Bristol Old Vic, the Sherman Theatre, The Unicorn and The Watermill.

I am really enjoying living in Wales; the landscape is beautiful and the people are very friendly. I have moved to the Roath area of Cardiff and love it. Roath Park is one of my favourite places!

lee@theatriolo.com

Michelle Perez

Executive Director

I joined Theatr Iolo in 2018 and am responsible for the general running of the organisation. Basically, all the ‘boring bits’ like finances, planning and funding applications! I am also a trained Audio Describer and audio describe all of the Theatr Iolo shows.

I grew up and went to school in Cardiff and then studied a Theatre Degree in Devon. Before I joined Theatr Iolo, I worked as a Graphic Designer, ran Childline Workshops for primary schools and worked in numerous arts organisations in South Wales over the last 20 years including, the Centre for Visual Arts, the New Theatre, Sherman Theatre all in Cardiff and The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport.

I absolutely love animals and have fostered and adopted many furry friends over the years. In fact, everyone in the office calls me the ‘animal whisperer’ as animals seem to be drawn to me!

michelle@theatriolo.com

Sarah Gilbert

Communications and Engagement Manager

I joined the team in September 2019 and like to consider myself to be ‘Chief Storyteller’ at Theatr Iolo... although maybe Lee would disagree with that! I make sure that everyone knows about the brilliant work we create and that our audiences have a fantastic time when they see one of our shows or take part in a project with us.

I moved to Wales just over ten years ago and, before joining Theatr Iolo, I was Marketing Campaigns Manager at Wales Millennium Centre. Prior to this, I worked in my hometown at Royal & Derngate in Northampton and Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire, where I was at University.

I love living and working in Wales and I’m proud to call Cardiff home. I’ve got a young family who keep me on my toes, but when I get a spare five minutes I try and spend it baking, sewing or off on a busman’s holiday to the theatre!

sarah@theatriolo.com

Karema Ahmed

Freelance Administrator & Audience Host

I am a singer/songwriter based in Cardiff. I am very passionate about music and theatre and how it allows people to express themselves and connect with a diversity of others. I also enjoy working with children and engaging in outreach workshops.

I joined Theatr Iolo in October 2023 as a Creative Apprentice and had an amazing experience. I have learnt a lot during my time as an apprentice and have thankfully built a wonderful relationship with Theatr Iolo. I am currently a freelance administrator and audience host for Theatr Iolo.