Mary Ward MBE D.Univ (Middx) Ambassador and Guardian (and Co-Founder) Expand Mary started teaching in 1966. She was struck by how much better the children she taught could be reached through drama than any other subject. Those who struggled in other fields shone in an environment where the work was created to fit those taking part rather than vice-versa. Mary and Jo Collins have a rapport and shared love of the theatre that is compelling. As Chickenshed’s Artistic Director, Mary directed over 100 original productions ranging from small scale dramatic pieces to large scale musicals in the Royal Albert Hall.
Jo Collins MBE D.Univ (Middx) Ambassador and Guardian (and Co-Founder) Expand Jo was a successful singer who had worked for over 10 years on BBC radio sessions before she co-founded Chickenshed. As Chickenshed’s Director of Music, Jo composed and arranged music for more than 100 musicals, in addition to piano concertos, ballets, incidential music and individuals songs for television appearances and special commissions. Sir Cliff Richard, Gabrielle, Elaine Page, Barbara Dickson, Emma Bunton and Bob Hoskins have all recorded her songs.