VICKI HAMBLEY

ARTISTIC AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Safeguarding Lead

Vicki studied Drama at The University of Guelph in Canada.  She has worked as a professional theatre director, workshop leader, drama teacher, production manager and stage manager in Canada, Japan, Italy and the UK.  

Vicki became the Artistic Director at Hackney Shed in 2013.  You will likely see Vicki at most of our projects, sometimes leading workshops, sometimes offering support outside of sessions, sometimes as the most excited audience member!  Vicki works with the senior team to deliver safeguarding and facilitator training. She also leads on fundraising for the organisation and partnership building in the community.  

Vicki is the Safeguarding Lead for Hackney Shed.   

Claudia 4.jpg

Claudia Rebolledo Sánchez

OPERATIONS AND FUNDRAISING MANAGER
Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Claudia comes from Chile, South America. She moved to London in 2016 to complete an MA in Applied Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

While studying she joined Hackney Shed as a placement student. She has worked as a theatre producer, coordinator, project manager, drama teacher and lead facilitator, both in Chile and London. 

Since 2022, Claudia directs Boom-Wow Theatre, a performing arts company championing the talents of communities with learning disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.

Anna Clover

CREATIVE PARTICIPATION LEAD
Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Anna has an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Anna has experience in writing, improvised comedy and touring her own solo show around the UK as well as running workshops.  

Anna began volunteering at Hackney Shed in 2011 and has never wanted to leave! You will see Anna if you take part in National Theatre Connections or other Collective projects. Anna is one of our workshop leaders in Children's and Youth theatre.  Anna also supports with project development, ensuring that Hackney Shed's inclusive approach continues to deliver exciting ways to forefront the talents of young disabled and neurodivergent performers. If you are interested in volunteering, Anna will be getting in touch with you to tell you more.  

Anna is a Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Hackney Shed. 

 

JO HOLDING

FUNDRAISING OFFICER

Jo has worked with arts organisations throughout her career. At the moment, alongside Hackney Shed, she works part-time with Little Green Pig - a Brighton-based children's creative writing and youth leadership charity. She spent 11 years as General Manager of the JMK Trust, a charity which supports young and emerging theatre directors and before that worked a range of charities including New Writing South, Ricochet Dance Productions and V-TOL Dance Company. Jo is passionate about broadening access to the arts. 

 

JúLIA COUTO

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES MANAGER
Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Júlia has an MA in Applied Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. With experience in London and Rio de Janeiro, she is passionate about exploring ways in which theatre can support mental health, self confidence and education.  

Júlia joined Hackney Shed as a volunteer in 2016 and has worked in a variety of roles since then. Júlia now manages our core programmes and is the main point of contact for participants and families outside of the sessions, while supporting Vicki on administrative tasks required to keep the charity running! Júlia also leads the Hackney Shed Slam competition and our brilliant Youth Panel. 

Júlia is a Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Hackney Shed. 

 

Louise trigg

LEAD ARTISTIC FACILITATOR

Louise originally trained at East 15 Acting School and worked as an actor. She joined Hackney Shed as a volunteer in 2020 and studied an MA in Applied Theatre at the Royal Central of Speech and Drama.

She freelances as a drama practitioner in various settings including with Outside Edge Theatre Company and at Kingston University using drama as an education tool in nursing training.

She is particularly keen on championing autistic community and bringing lived disabled experience to leadership roles.

 

SARA ASGEDOM

MARKETING OFFICER

Sara is a communications specialist with over two years of experience across digital marketing, brand development and content strategy in the arts and community sectors.

Her storytelling skills, along with experience in video production and social media content creation allow her to tell compelling stories that engage diverse audiences and promote meaningful work.

 

FACILITATION TEAM

 

megan kohnhorst

Suzannah Hall

SARAH TEALE

 
 

Ozioma Ihesiene

Zoë Glen

Georgie

Tobias graham

MOJISAYO

BLESSING

TIANYI

 

LUCY FOSTER

CHAIR

Lucy studied History at Oxford before working as a theatre director and facilitator. As a director she created shows which toured the UK, including The Pirate Project and Epic. She was Associate Director and Participation Director with Improbable for many years, working on several of the company’s shows, including The Wolves In The Walls and Panic.

As a theatre facilitator, Lucy worked for organisations including Half Moon Theatre, London Bubble, National Youth Theatre, and The Unicorn.

She is now the Creative and Community Director at Grand Junction, a community and arts venue in west London.

Lucy is passionate about making the arts accessible for all and is privileged to take up the position of Chair of Hackney Shed.

Andrew ALDRICH

TREASURER

Andrew Aldrich is a founder member since 2006.

He has worked in a private accountancy practice and is currently a Financial Accountant for University of the Arts London. With his brother Christopher, he co-writes writes much of the music for Hackney Shed’s musical productions (previous scores have included Thumbelina, The Silver Sword, Twisted Tales and On We Go amongst others), and enjoys rehearsing and tailoring the music with the performers. 

Andrew has also been Musical Director to numerous amateur shows and pantomimes and is a pianist and backing vocalist in a function band. 

CHRIS ALDRICH

Christopher Aldrich is a founder member since 2006. 

During this time with Hackney Shed he has co-written many of the original scores for the musicals Hackney Shed has performed including Thumbelina, The Grinch, Twisted Tales and On We Go amongst others. 


Outside of Hackney Shed Christopher has musical directed several pantomimes (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington), and musicals (The Railway Children, Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Camelot, Calamity Jane). He is also involved in a function band that performs around Essex when time allows! 

 

SARAH SCHOFIELD

TRUSTEE SAFEGUARDING LEAD & SECRETARY

Sarah qualified with a BA(ED) in Drama and English and taught in primary classrooms for 5 years before focusing her career on arts education.  She joined Hackney Shed as a volunteer facilitator in 2003.

In 2007 Sarah became Hackney Sheds administrator and played a key role in the running of the company and fundraising. 

Sarah is now the Head of Creative Learning at Little Angel Theatre. 

A highlight of her time with Hackney Shed in her early days there was playing Miss Hannigan in a production of Annie! 

AWA JAGNE

I live in East London

I studied preforming arts at the Orpheus Centre for three years and now I am currently a part of 3 theatre companies: Act Up! Newham theatre company , Hackney Shed and FaceFront Inclusive Theatre.

I did a course at Graeae theatre company to develop my acting skills and I wrote my own show with Act Up Newham it was preformed at Appelcart Arts in Eastham and it was called “ Why didn’t you tell me”. It was amazing.

DAISY VAN DEn BERG

Daisy is a barrister practising in employment and discrimination law. She has qualifications from York University, Oxford Brooks University, and Leiden University in the Netherlands.

She is experienced in advocating for individuals with disabilities and vulnerable people of all ages, both in courts and tribunals, and in other forums such as mediations or formal negotiations.

Daisy has also undertaken a variety of voluntary roles – from advising clients at CAB to teaching prisoners debating skills. She enjoys helping people find their confidence and their voice.

SHEERIN ASWAT

Sheerin Aswat has been working in the publishing industry for over 14 years starting out first in PR. She moved from PR projects to managing digital campaigns for a number of years before moving into event management running events such as large scale dinners, international professional programme delegations and book launches.

For seven years she ran the relationship management team at The London Book Fair working with publishers and authors from all over the globe. Since leaving she has gone on to support the development of BolognaBookPlus, the brand extension of acclaimed Bologna Children’s Book Fair as well as providing management consultancy to digital company Optimal.

SARA HAZZARD

Lived experience raising children who manage the intersection of race and disability. My areas of work-related expertise include strategic communications, public affairs, AI and campaigns.  I lead the #RightToRehab campaign and Co-chair the Community Rehabilitation Alliance made up of more than 60 health and social care charities and professional bodies.

What People Say About Hackney Shed

Testimonials

It's non competitive and encourages cooperation, collaboration and celebration of people's differing strengths.

Hackney Shed doesn't just support children and young people the benefits spill over to parents and carers too, especially around well being, knowing the 'shed' members are being well catered for.

“Hackney Shed provides a unique service to communities across Hackney which is financially accessible (unlike others). It's format is vital in respect of social cohesion and providing space for the development of young people in a way which is non judgemental and inclusive”

A really fun drama space where you could feel safe and comfortable expressing ideas. I've met so many cool people I wouldn't have without this.

Hackney Shed is a marvellous, shining example of genuine, meaningful inclusion.

“It is a rare and valuable opportunity to meet and make friends, socialise, develop his independence and feel rightly proud of himself”

“Hackney Shed is great and continues to wow - great for kids and parents.”

“Great energy. Inclusive for all. Creative teaching which allows children/young people opportunities to gain confidence”

"The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”

"Hackney Shed enriches my child's life on so many levels. She is not only learning theatre skills, but so much more. She is learning about community and co-operation, and is gaining in confidence and self-worth."

"As a parent with a child with special needs I value the inclusivity over and above everything. This is from the point of view both of how good it is for him to feel included and valued but also from the point of view of my other two children who are able to see him and others with special needs being on an equal footing."

"We have been Hackney residents for nearly 20 years and have been very proud to find such an excellent opportunity for all children right on our doorstep."