The Brixham Theatre CIO Board of Trustees is headed by our Chair Vanessa Fitzgerald, Secretary Dot Vickery, Treasurer Rachel Thomas and Claire Carter, Phil Vickery, Frances Robinson, Flo Barker and Kate Heath complete the team.
Vanessa Fitzgerald
I see Brixham Theatre at the heart of the local community and I am committed to making the Theatre financially viable, sustainable, and respected as a reputable Arts venue.
Spanning over 45 years of experience as an Education professional, I worked as a teacher, lecturer, counsellor, and senior manager in every sector of education:- with young people, adults, within the community, in schools, colleges, workplaces and University settings.
As Associate Dean at Plymouth University, I led a staff team of 90 personnel who were based in host institutions across the wider south-west region, linking with target primary & secondary schools, colleges and community groups. This work was on behalf of Higher Education (HE) Institutions on a wide programme of activities to raise awareness, aspirations and achievement for non-traditional groups, who would not necessarily ‘go-on’ in their education. The target was to encourage and support their progression to and through HE.
Now retired, I am focused on my role as both Chair and one of the leads for Project X, the adult amateur dramatic group based within Brixham Theatre. I participate in performance, production and direction for Project X.
Dot Vickery
Hello, my name is Dot Vickery, I have been living in this beautiful town for 18 years and have been taking care of the secretarial and membership duties for the Theatre for the last two years and was approached by our Chairman, to consider becoming a Trustee. This was an opportunity to be part of the Team that continually evolves and makes good decisions all in the best interests of the Theatre.
It was an offer I could not refuse.
My working background before my retirement was within Management and Finance departments, with strengths in finance, office and administration. I hope that I can bring to this position plenty of enthusiasm, balanced opinions and the energy to make things happen. Having been on board at the end of Covid, I have been able to see how the team has developed and grown to bring quality entertainment to Brixham.
I look forward to the exciting times ahead for the theatre as we approach our fifth year as a charity and the new challenges it will bring.
Rachel Thomas
I joined Brixham Theatre in 2023 to assist the Treasurer with bookkeeping and administration duties. I had recently qualified as an accountant, and this was a great opportunity to gain experience for my career, while helping our lovely community Theatre.
My background has been in working with vulnerable adults, hospitality, and coordinating volunteers. I currently work in a local accounting practice.
Having gained bookkeeping experience at the Theatre, I took on the role of Treasurer and have now stepped up as one of the Trustees. I aim to combine my financial and community experience to ensure that the Theatre meets its charitable & entertainment aims, within the challenging financial environment.
I continue to volunteer in the Theatre box office and bar. I have a ‘can-do’ attitude and help wherever needed. I love being involved with the Theatre and have met some wonderful people along the way.
Claire Carter
I am currently employed as an Estate Management & Commercial Accounts Manager but I have held various roles within accountancy practices and in industry including Financial Controller.
I have also worked as a departmental secretary for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, as a Personal Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer at South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and as a local newspaper reporter.
I am an accountant who does not want to hide behind a spreadsheet. I am willing to roll up my sleeves and get involved; making things happen as well as motivating and inspiring others to achieve and work as a team.
Although I joined Brixham Theatre as the Treasurer, I have become involved in all aspects of operational and strategic planning and decision making. With a background in accounts, admin and journalism, I can confidently analyse figures, write a professional report and ensure it gets to, the right people at the right time.
Frances Robinson
I have lived in Brixham for over 10 years and been involved in the theatre in one form or another for most of that time. I am a member of the gig club and organise their events.
I have been a solicitor for 35 years working for various local authorities and a large London Law firm. I have specialised in Planning and Environment law. I have a grown up son and 2 little fluffy dogs.
Flo Barker
I moved to Brixham in January 2025 from the North East of England to be near family and because I wanted to be part of the town’s wonderful community.
Since then, I have become a school governor, a trustee of Torbay Citizens Advice, an advice worker with Brixham Does Care and now am proud and excited to be a trustee for Brixham Theatre.
A former journalist, I worked in the NHS as a public relations manager before setting up my own PR company. After a few years retirement, I became bored and went back to work as a volunteer with Citizens Advice County Durham before becoming an advice manager for five years.
My previous voluntary work has included being a member of County Durham Probation Board, a school governor, helping in my local Red Cross charity shop and visiting old, lonely people in their homes with my dogs.
My happy place is Berry Head, walking with my two gundogs, watching them run and enjoying the glorious wild life and scenery.
Kate Heath
After retiring, I was lucky enough to move to Torbay from the Midlands a few years ago with my husband, we love having a beach on our doorstep to enjoy our new found hobby of paddleboarding, the vibrant harbour of Brixham and the vast beauty of Dartmoor to explore and enjoy.
I became involved with the Theatre a couple of years ago and began producing the quarterly newsletter ‘Curtains Up’ and later took on the maintenance of our website and social media platforms. As time progressed, I was invited to join the management committee and now am a very proud Trustee.
I also volunteer at my local library as a Computer IT Buddy and every Wednesday evening you can find me on Paignton Sea front marshalling at the English Riviera Bike Nights.