From Cocoa Works to Curtain Calls Anne-marie Greene, Graham Mitchell, Dan Shrimpton and Nick Smith
Event details
Celebrate 90 years of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre and discover the remarkable story of one of York’s most cherished cultural institutions. This special event invites you to step back in time and explore how the theatre has evolved from its origins to the vibrant community hub it is today. Hear from the dedicated volunteers whose passion and commitment continue to bring the theatre to life and learn why it remains a cornerstone of both the performing arts and the local community. A specially selected panel will reflect on the theatre’s history, the influence of the Rowntree family, and the wider role of community theatre in shaping cultural life.
Our expert panel features Dan Shrimpton, Chair of Trustees, Joseph Rowntree Theatre; Nick Smith Executive Director, Rowntree Society; Anne-marie Greene, School for Business and Society, University of York; and Graham Mitchell, Honorary Archivist, Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
There will also be an audience Q&A, offering a chance to engage directly with the speakers and share your own questions and reflections.
About the speakers
Professor Anne-marie Greene is Chair of Work and Diversity and Director of Research Impact at the School for Business and Society, University of York. Anne-marie researches equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in theory and practice. A particular research interest is the interface between work, life, family and community. Recent funded projects include: 'Local Theatres: Participation, Inclusivity and Imagination' (AHRC); 'Working for EDI regulation within English Football: A collaboration with Kick It Out' (ESRC); and 'Clean Break: Women, Theatre, Organisation and the Criminal Justice System (AHRC). Anne-marie is also Artistic Director of the Criterion Theatre, Coventry, a volunteer-run charity and Little Theatre Guild member.
Dan Shrimpton, is Chair of Trustees of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre and started volunteering backstage at the theatre over 30 years ago. In 2001, he was part of the group of volunteers who came forward to run the theatre when Nestle decided to cease operations. Dan originally took on the role of Technical Director on the Board of Trustees and in 2011 he became Chair of Trustees. In 2017, Dan led on negotiations to purchase the theatre which secured its future as a community venue to celebrate the arts. Dan has also been involved in a number of significant changes to the theatre, including reseating the auditorium, the replacement of the stage electrics, upgrade of the flying system, reroofing of the building and the construction of the new garden room. Away from the theatre Dan is a HR Professional.
Over 50 years involvement in amateur theatre across the North of England and former Joseph Rowntree Theatre trustee, Graham Mitchell is currently the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s archivist. He is also responsible for creating the York Community Choir Festival at the Rowntree Theatre, which started in 2016.
Nick Smith is Executive Director of The Rowntree Society, where he works to connect York’s Rowntree heritage with contemporary social issues. He led the Society’s contribution to the 2025 Joseph Rowntree Centenary and has developed projects exploring the lives of Rowntree workers, including trade union activity in the 1920s and the family’s role in shaping the media. With a background in archaeology - holding an MA in Medieval Archaeology from the University of York - Nick has a strong interest in how history can be shared beyond academia. Before joining the Society, he worked in the non-profit and social care sectors, focusing on community engagement. His work is driven by a commitment to making York’s history meaningful and accessible to local communities today.
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