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25 Years of Memories…Part 3

To celebrate our 25th anniversary & National Volunteer Week we asked our UK board for their NIE memories

Written on June 4, 2026

This week it’s National Volunteers Week in the UK, so for this article we have asked our UK board to share some of their memories of the company. We say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the company over the years and around the world, and helped make our work possible.

When did you first work with NIE?

I joined NIE as a Trustee in 2021.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

I loved the Christmas production of Hansel & Gretel, it was the first time I’d seen NIE’s work in person and it was exactly what I’d hoped for – and more! Enchanting, family-focussed, beautiful story telling.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE?

I’m yet to have the opportunity to bring my two year old to NIE’s work, so I think the most memorable moment might be yet to come!

When did you first work with NIE?

I became a Trustee for NIE in March 2021. Having worked in the charity sector for a long time, I had given lots of advice and support to trustees but had not been one. NIE peaked my interest being an arts organisation – something I was interested in but had never worked in – and because for such a small organisation it seemed to have extraordinary reach and outcomes.

What is your favourite NIE show/project and why?

Of the shows I have made it to I would have to say MacBeth in a Suitcase has really stood out for me as an excellent piece of retelling that engaged adults and children equally and made a dark and complicated play easy to digest and fun.

Also I joined during the pandemic so the first show I got to go to in real life was Snow White at the Polka which was really special.

Although I haven’t been able to see any of it in person, I think the work being done in the Fens is incredible and something everyone involved in should be really proud of.

As someone with no professional experience with theatre, I love how inclusive NIE is and how accessible they make all aspects of theatre, without ever compromising on quality.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve been with NIE?

As a trustee living in London with young children I have not been able to travel much with NIE, most things have been in Cambridge or London.

What I absolutely love about NIE though is that it’s been a welcoming home for me as a trustee: I have taken my new baby to every away day and meeting while on maternity leave and to shows, allowing me to continue to be present as a trustee and contribute and that I think is pretty special