Tobacco Factory Theatres Welcomes New Chair Bertel Martin

Bertel Martin, has been announced as the new Chair of the Board at Tobacco Factory Theatres. He will be taking over from Sarah Smith MBE, who is standing down after 13 years.

The Southville theatre has seen a huge amount of change under Sarah’s tenure. There’s been the development and opening of The Spielman Theatre, a second performance space in the building. We’ve also seen lots of participation schemes for artists and members of the community, making theatre more accessible to people who might ordinarily struggle to access the theatre world.

That the theatre came through Covid closures is another achievement, a time when so much in the industry was lost and continues to be rocked by.

Perhaps our biggest thanks can go to the new seating in the auditorium. Even the really low seats right at the front that you can’t get out of when you hit a certain age.

Sarah called her time at the theatre a ‘privilege’, thanking the ‘dedicated and passionate’ team she worked with.

She said: “The organisation has gone from strength to strength, and I have been humbled by the huge support that we have received from audiences, members, benefactors, funders and my colleagues on the board. I shall miss it greatly and I will certainly be a regular attender at the wonderful productions presented here.”

Incoming Bertel Martin has been immersed in Bristol’s voluntary sector and arts scene for more than 30 years, with Bristol Old Vic, Kuumba, Theatre Bristol and Black Voluntary Sector Development Unit just some of the work he’s been involved with.

He currently works as Finance & Operations Manager for acta Community Theatre.

“I am thrilled to be joining Tobacco Factory Theatres at such an exciting time in the organisation’s journey,” he says. “I must take this opportunity to thank the outgoing chair, Sarah Smith, for her incredible work over the last 13 years and for her support as I begin my journey as Chair of the Board for this special organisation.”

To find out more about Tobacco Factory Theatres vist: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Feature Image: Craig Fuller

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