About Us

Theatre Porto (formerly Action Transport Theatre) has been making work for children, young people and the communities of Ellesmere Port for over 35 years.

We are inspired by the child-centred qualities of curiosity, play and fairness and aim to make new work which both challenges and delights.

Our approach is:

  • child and young person centred
  • inclusive – everyone is welcomed and valued; difference is celebrated
  • collaborative – we work with artists, educators, children and young people to make work which is authentic and important
  • experimental – we explore new ways to tell stories through theatre, film, installation, and other media
  • enquiry led – we provide space for learning, including our own

We provide opportunities for local children and young people to work with us throughout the year through our free, inclusive engagement programme.

Our professional work is made collaboratively with children, schools and other companies/artists touring locally, regionally and nationally.

We are part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.

Staff team

Nina Hajiyianni – Artistic Director & CEO
The Artistic Director steers the direction of the company and oversees the programme at Theatre Porto including directing our professional work.

Caz Brader – Executive Director
Responsible for developing & delivering the organisation’s business and fundraising plans & strategic vision working closely with the Artistic Director.

Chris Hassett – Company Administrator
Provides the company with administrative systems, financial processing and supports space hires.

Jake Ryan – Creative Communities Practitioner
The Community Artist, leads outreach into our community, giving young people the opportunity to access and create art. This project and post is funded by the Westminster Foundation.

Jessica Egan-Simon – Producer
The Producer oversees the development and management of all Theatre Porto projects and is the key contact for participants, creatives and for venue bookers and schools.

Keith Robinson – Venue Assistant
Supports the upkeep of the building and welcomes venue users to the space.

Matt Bennett – Production Manager
The Production Manager is responsible for all elements of the technical operation of Whitby Hall, Theatre Porto’s studio performance space.

Natasha Chapman – Access and Pastoral Lead
Responsible for the development of access around professional and participatory projects as well as taking Lead of the Pastoral Support on our engagement programme; this sometimes involves lead facilitation.

Noel Tegg – Head of Facilities
Responsible for the management and operation of our building and the safety and comfort of our visitors.

Phil Cross – Associate Director
The Associate Director devises and leads our engagement programme including, Drama Drop-In and Drama Droplets, he also supports our new work.

Rubina Mallu – Payroll & Finance Support
Payroll and Finance Support.

Our freelance team

Sam Hutchinson – Freelance Communications Manager
The Communications Manager deals with all aspects of marketing, press and publicity for all Theatre Porto events, and works to develop new audiences for all strands of the Theatre Porto programme.

Kevin Dyer – Associate Writer
The Associate Writer initiates and delivers new writing projects, including Young Writers programmes.

Clare, Zach, Laura and Charlotte –  Pastoral team 

Supporting our young people’s projects with extra pastoral support

Thank You

Thanks also to our amazing casual support team – Zach, AM, Izzy, Natasha, Daivy, Lou, Erika, Sue, Becky, Gill, Kieran and Nathan.

Board of Trustees

Our board members are appointed volunteers with a diverse range of skills, who are responsible for ensuring that Theatre Porto delivers its programmes aligning to our charitable purpose.

They ensure that the organisation is well managed and that the company is creating exceptional opportunities for children and young people as participants and audiences.

  • Janet Dunn (Chair)
  • Beatrice Bohler
  • Clive Marshall
  • Debbie Tomkinson
  • Emma Dunn
  • Karen O’Neill
  • Keith Jones
  • Mathew Jayne
  • Michael Redstone