Biography

Known more to members of YAT in the 1980's and 90's, Jean was a trusted friend of our founder Eric Yardley and worked on many YAT shows in a variety of roles, most notably in Set Design and Lighting.

Jean was renowned for supporting young people in the arts and always went out of her way to ensure that they felt welcomed and involved in every aspect of theatre where possible. She was always happy to share her wide and varied technical knowledge with anyone and everyone.

Along with Eric and Richard Eliot, Jean was instrumental in helping to arrangement for YAT to visit Kiev (whilst still behind the 'iron curtain') in 1989, where they were given the unique and exclusive amateur rights to perform Blood Brothers. An experience that many people still talk about and remember to this day.

When Eric retired in 2005, Jean was also part of the transition team that was formed to establish a new Management Committee. Her contribution, alongside Dennis Baker, helped provide a solid framework and mission statement that YAT continue to use to this day.