Trustees

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  Alex Macqueen (Co-Chair)

  Alex is a BAFTA nominated actor best known for his roles in The Thick Of It (BBC), Hunderby (Sky) and Sally4Ever (HBO). Before becoming an actor, Alex practiced as a barrister, specialising in public and company law. Alex is also a Trustee of Z2K, and an Ambassador for CAFOD.

   

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  Hannah Whittingham (Co-Chair)

  Hannah is a producer, writer, and actor/musician trained at the Royal Academy of Music. Hannah’s credits include Sound of Music (Palladium), The Last Five Years (Apollo), and Impossible (Noel Coward), and she has produced series for the BBC, ITV, and Radio 4. Hannah is also training to be a psychotherapist.

   

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  Abi Eniola (Vice Chair)

  Former actor Abi is now a coach with over 20 years of international experience leading groups and individuals in a range of development areas – including leadership development, personal impact and influence, building effective relationships, as well as Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.  Abi is also a coach/practitioner at RADA Business.

   

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  Jassa Ahluwalia

  Jassa is an actor, writer, and filmmaker. Jassa came to prominence as Rocky in the series Some Girls, followed by roles in Unforgotten and Peaky Blinders.

  Jassa was elected to Equity's Race Equality Committee - championing mixed heritage identity through his #BothNotHalf campaign - and then to Council in 2022.

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  Sarah Alford-Smith

  Sarah was a stage manager for 27 years before becoming a production coordinator for a West End producer. Notable productions include Network (National Theatre) and Hamlet (Almeida). Sarah’s background provides a unique understanding of actors and stage managers, driving her passion to support artists and reach a wider community.

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  Simon Callow

  Simon is an actor, director and writer known for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, A Room with a View, and Phantom of the Opera. He has received numerous accolades, including an Olivier Award and Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for two BAFTA Awards.

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  Marilyn Cutts

  Marilyn is an actress, singer and lyricist known as a founder member of Fascinating Aida (1983-2003), Funny Girl (2015) and Crazy For You (2023).  Marilyn has served on the ABF’s Finance and Marketing Committees, Chaired the HR Committee and has taken an active role in modernising the ABF's governance.

   

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  Chris Heagren

  Chris is a Big 4 trained qualified accountant with over 18 years’ experience in the Entertainment, Technology, Media and Communications sectors. He is currently the Executive Director, Controllership of Warner Bros. International Television Production. Responsible for accurate and reliable financial information and comprehensive planning and analysis to aid decision making.

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  Andrew Jarvis

  Andrew has been a professional actor for over 55 years. He has worked in repertory theatres, spent ten years with the RSC, frequently performed in the West End and in two seasons at the National Theatre. Over the past 30 years he has also taught and directed in Drama Schools.

   

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  Lesley Joseph

  Lesley is best known for playing Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather. With a career spanning over five decades, Lesley is deeply aware of the struggles faced by many actors and stage managers and is passionate about giving back to an industry that has given her so much joy.

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  Patrick O’Kane

  Patrick is an Irish actor with extensive experience across stage and screen, including the HBO series Game of Thrones. Patrick has lived experience receiving support from the ABF, which provides invaluable insight into his role as trustee. Patrick is dedicated to raising awareness of the ABF and expanding its services.

   

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  Rob Rinder

  Rob is a British criminal barrister, broadcaster, and educator. In addition to presenting and curating a range of acclaimed documentaries and formatted television, acting was Rob’s first passion. From the National Youth Theatre to Panto.

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  Sarah Watkinson

  Sarah is a partner at Ashurst LLP, where she co-leads the real estate finance practice. Sarah is listed in Legal 500 as an Eminent Practitioner. Sarah is also a trained stage manager and is passionate about theatre and the arts, having also served as a trustee of the Watermill Theatre.

Executive Team

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  Alison Wyman (CEO)

  Alison has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, with particular experience in organisational strategy, development, governance, research and analysis. Alison has developed and managed a wide range of projects, services and grants programmes, in various leadership positions, working collaboratively with a range of organisations, Boards and teams. 

Patron

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  King Charles III

  His Majesty King Charles III is incredibly supportive of the acting and theatrical profession and has always gone above and beyond to help the vital work we do at the Actors’ Benevolent Fund (ABF) during his 24 years as Patron. His Majesty even recorded a poem in support of the ABF during the pandemic, a particularly difficult time for those working in the industry.