Meet the Team

Helen Matravers
Artistic Director / Joint CEO

Appointed as Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive in January 2023, Helen has over 12 years’ experience working across new writing, devised performance and artist development. She originally trained as an actor, eventually moving into creative producing and theatre programming. Helen has previously worked at The Drayton Arms Theatre as Artistic Director and Programmer and as a Creative Producer at Theatre503, New Diorama Theatre, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and LAMDA.

Lynette Shanbury
Executive Director / Joint CEO

Lynette was appointed as Polka Theatre’s Executive Director and joint Chief Executive in August 2018. Before this, she spent four years as Executive Director of inclusive theatre company Spare Tyre, guiding the organisation as it approached its 40th anniversary. Prior to joining Spare Tyre, she spent eight years with Little Angel Theatre, as General Manager and later as Executive Director. She is a Trustee of VocalEyes, who enable blind and visually impaired people to access theatre and culture.