Greg Brenman joins DanceEast as Chair as three further Trustees are recruited

Greg is a BAFTA Award-winning television producer, entrepreneur and business leader. He has more than 35 years’ experience in the TV industry, creating and producing critically acclaimed, commercially successful film and television dramas such as Peaky Blinders, The English, Steal, and the feature film Billy Elliot. Greg is co-founder of Drama Republic, one of the UK’s leading independent drama production companies, and is a Trustee of local theatre company, Hightide.

Greg joins DanceEast as Chair a year after Anthony Missen joined as Chief Executive & Creative Director, and as the organisation embarks on a new business plan which will launch in April 2027. Greg says:

“Coming from the world of independent film and television, and as fan of contemporary dance, I couldn’t be more excited to take on the role of Chair at such a dynamic organisation, based in a wonderful building in the heart of Ipswich. DanceEast is already one of the UK’s leading places to make and tour dance, with strong and successful community engagement, and I look forward to supporting Anthony in achieving his exciting and ambitious plans.”

Shreela Ghosh, outgoing Chair, says:

“Storytelling and creativity are at the heart of everything that Greg does. He is committed to the growth and development of DanceEast and brings an excellent understanding of the current landscape for culture in the East of England. Working with Anthony, Greg will drive the next chapter of the organisation. The Board is delighted to welcome him as the new Chair.”

Anthony Missen, DanceEast’s Chief Executive & Creative Director, says:

“Greg joins us as we finalise our business plan which builds on and cements DanceEast’s unparalleled contribution to the UK’s dance sector. Our plan outlines a bold future for DanceEast and is brimming with opportunity and potential. Greg brings his pioneering and entrepreneurial approach at the perfect moment, and I look forward to working together to make our bold vision a reality.

I would like to thank Shreela for her outstanding contribution as Chair, which included steering the organisation through the post Covid-19 era, and overseeing a leadership transition that resulted in the appointment of both me and Greg. Shreela has acted as a supportive mentor during my first year as Chief Executive & Creative Director and has contributed to our new business plan.”

Greg Brenman’s appointment as Chair was ratified at a DanceEast Board meeting on Monday 14 September. At the same meeting, the Board also appointed three further Trustees, who bring a range of skills and expertise to the organisation:

David Farrow was born in Ipswich. He had a successful career working in finance for more than 35 years covering UK and international markets. He is an experienced charity Trustee and has served Green Light Trust, another local charity, for nine years.

Georgiana van Walsum is the founder of Instillness, a creative and strategic studio advising international organisations and individuals on commercial strategy, brand and communications, and producing original writing. With a background in both science and design, she has held senior leadership roles in Paris, Milan and London. She keeps a creative practice of her own in Suffolk, and joins the Board as a long-standing DanceEast audience member.

Kerry Whelan is the Executive Director and joint Chief Executive of internationally acclaimed theatre company Frantic Assembly. Prior to that, he was Executive Director of multi award-winning dance company, BalletBoyz, for 12 years. He has over 30 years’ experience in the cultural and creative industries and has worked as a theatre producer, venue manager, programmer, arts funder, consultant and advisor. During his career he has produced shows at Sadler’s Wells, The Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and The Roundhouse, and films for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Arts.