Meet our lively and passionate team behind the scenes.
Candoco is the sum of many parts. The individuals that make up our Staff and Board are essential to ensure the smooth running of the company.
We might be a small team but we make a big impact. Bringing skills from a variety of industries and backgrounds, the Staff and Board at Candoco is a devoted group of individuals committed to making excellent productions and learning experiences. The team is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our audiences and participants and providing a safe and comfortable environment in which our dancers and artists can work.
Staff
Will Bridgland
Producer (Productions & Touring)
Will joins Candoco as a producer who works across contemporary dance and performance practices. Previously he has worked internationally as a dance artist, and most recently has worked for The Place and DanceEast alongside a freelance producing practice.
Liz has a background in dance and has worked in a variety of roles and companies. For Candoco, she manages all aspects of the company’s financial responsibilities and, together with the Executive team, ensures the financial sustainability of the company.
Jasmin joined the team as the new Communications Manager in April 2023. She is a mixed-heritage dance enthusiast and experienced marketing professional, with a strong background in working for indoor and outdoor arts organisations.
Angie joined Candoco in early 2020, and has supported the team across a wide range of areas since. As General Manager, she is responsible for ensuring the company runs as efficiently as possible.
Esther joins Candoco as Head of Access and Equity, with lived experience as a disabled performer, facilitator, and programme leader. She leads the organisation’s approach to embedding access, inclusion and equity across all areas of its work.
Lucie is an arts manager, programmer and curator with over twenty years’ experience working in the dance and performance sector. As the new Head of Programme, Lucie will implement a programming strategy that aligns with Candoco’s vision, mission and values.
Melanie joins Candoco from her previous role as CEO and Creative Director at Greenwich Dance, bringing a wealth of senior leadership experience within the dance sector.
Louisa's main responsibilities at Candoco are developing, producing and supporting the practical delivery of Candoco's learning, training and artist development work.
Toni is a freelance access consultant with an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from King’s College, combining legal and arts expertise with a strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti-colonial practices.
Maria Anastase
Board Member
Maria is a passionate supporter of the arts, with an extensive career leading Risk Management, Sustainability Strategy, and Corporate Social Responsibility functions in the international corporate and investment banking sector.
Ben Evans
Board Member
Ben is a disabled arts manager and accessible cultural policy consultant. Following 12 years working for the British Council, Ben is now the Project Director of Europe Beyond Access, the world’s largest trans-national Arts & Disability programme.
Sarah Howard
Board Member
Sarah’s career has spanned three decades across the world of theatre and dance, including Sadler’s Wells, Park Theatre, Unlimited, 2012 Cultural Olympiad and Candoco - managing its education programme from 2000 to 2006.
Beth Lewis
Board Member
Beth is an experienced HR and leadership development professional, executive coach, and former HR Director. Passionate about inclusion and equity, Beth supports individuals and organisations to thrive through purposeful people practices.
Kez Margrie
Board Member
Kez is the Commissioning Editor for 7-12s non-scripted content in the BBC’s Children’s department. She has been committed to working with children and young people through the Arts for over 30 years.
Patrick McGeough
Board Member & Vice Chair
Patrick has worked within the exercise, movement, and dance sectors, drawing on his knowledge and lived experience as a participant, instructor, and CEO in the field.
Niranjan Mendonca
Board Member
Niranjan is a banking and financial services professional who works with charities and institutions that support the disabled community, education, and youth development.
Ash Nandi
Board Member & Treasurer
Ash is an Investment Researcher at a bulge bracket Investment Bank and a qualified Chartered Accountant. She was appointed as Candoco's Trustee and Treasurer in June 2024 and was matched to the role by RIAC.
Sharon Watson MBE DL
Board Member & Chair
Sharon Watson MBE, DL, is a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated for her exceptional contributions as CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.