Our Board

Liz Blyth is an experienced public sector leader for arts, culture and sport. She works as an independent consultant, mentor and advisor.  She is an Associate for the Local Government Association and a part time lecturer and module leader for the MSc Cultural Events Leadership at De Montfort University. Previously she was Director of Culture and Neighbourhood Services at Leicester City Council.  Liz also enjoys creative practice as an artist and maker. 

Adam is a Councillor in Leicester and is appointed to the board by the city mayor. He served on the city council executive for nine years and was deputy city mayor between 2017 and 2024.

Mike has a background in economic regeneration and business development at the city council including the development of new workspaces for creative businesses. He also worked for almost ten years for Asra housing group. When not at work he is often to be found on a bike.

Helen has lived and worked in Leicestershire for many years where she qualified as an Accountant and is currently a fellow of the ICAEW. She has experience across a variety of organisations from varied sectors and has worked in both executive and non executive roles with charities and not for profit organisations for the last 10 years. Helen is currently an Executive Director at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Barbara lives in Leicester and was brought up in the East Midlands.  She was a theatre producer and arts consultant before becoming Director of Theatre for Arts Council, England.  She then changed gear and held senior positions at both De Montfort and Nottingham Trent Universities.  She is Chair of the Trustees of Uppingham School and a Director of Nottingham Contemporary.

Patrick has spent his career in the not-for-profit sector, working to generate philanthropic and commercial support for environmental, heritage, disability and educational organisations.  Patrick is a former member of Leicester University’s Council and chair of its alumni committee, and has lived in Leicestershire for the last 30 years.

An accomplished marketing and communications professional, Maria has led nationally recognised teams in the public and private sectors. She is known for her ability to blend creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impact. Maria is passionate about enabling access to the arts and sport for all and proud to call Leicester home.

Jeremy was a corporate law partner at Allen Overy Shearman Sterling for 24 years. He has a long-standing interest in theatre and the performing arts and is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, which helps young people develop their careers, including through the annual TheatreCraft careers fair. He is also an Independent Governor of London South Bank University, a member of its Finance and Investment Committee and Chair of its Remuneration Committee.

Zainab is a Midlands-based creative, with a background in Classical literature. She joined Team Curve in 2019 as part of the Visitor Experience team and her love for theatre has blossomed ever since. She has written and co-directed an original Greek tragedy called Women, Scorned and has experience in organising and delivering spoken word events, writing workshops and art exhibitions. During her role as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the University of Birmingham’s College of Arts and Law, Zainab has led a series of initiatives to make Higher Education more accessible  for students from underrepresented identities. She is currently working on her first novel, a retelling of Euripides’ Medea which incorporates elements of her South Asian heritage.

Vijay was the first ever Managing Editor and Head of the BBC Asian Network, the National BBC Digital Radio Station. A qualified social worker Vijay has also worked as a Race Relations Advisor. She also has a portfolio career of Non- Executive and Trustee roles in a variety of sectors such the Higher Education, the NHS, with the children and young people’s Hospice and the Leicester and Leicestershire Community Foundation. Vijay has served as the Vice Chair of University of Leicester Governing Council, Vice Chair of the East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust and was the Chair of Leicestershire Healthwatch when it was first established.

Vijay holds an EMCC Diploma in Professional Coaching and Mentoring, is a Fellow of the Radio Academy and Pro Chancellor of the De Montfort University. Vijay has been recognised for her service with the award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees from De Montfort University and the University of Leicester.

Cathy has enjoyed working at Curve on My Beautiful Laundrette and The Importance of Being Earnest. Most recent work includes, Rockets and Blue Lights, Royal Exchange Manchester. Rebus Long Shadows Birmingham Rep and nationwide tour. Films include, The Fight. Together and Two Graves. Verbatim theatre with Crowded Room, The Listening Room. FIGHTER, Stratford Circus. The Odyssey readings at Brian Friel Festival. Audio books, including The Muse by Jessie Barton. Other films include, Mona Lisa, Priest, The Serpent and the Rainbow and Turbulence. Three series of Band of Gold.

Bhavesh was born and lives in Leicester. He is the Head of Brand, Marketing and Content Services for frog – a creative and transformation agency, which is part of Capgemini – a consultancy and technology company. Bhavesh specializes in digital strategy, advisory and transformation across marketing and data.

Claire joined Arts Council England in October 2017, as Theatre Relationship Manager.  Before then, Claire was General Manager at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 2013. While working in London from 2005 -2013 Claire held posts as General Manager at Paines Plough and the Gate, Front of House Manager at the Royal Court, and as a retail manager. Claire is a past participant of the Clore Leadership Programme short course. She has previously served on the boards of the Independent Theatre Council, and curious directive where she was Chair.