International Women’s Day 2025
At Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure & Culture, we are dedicated to championing opportunities for all, celebrating the remarkable women who drive our organisation forward. This International Women’s Day, we embrace the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, highlighting the importance of pushing for progress and empowerment in all aspects of life.
One of the incredible women at the heart of our organisation is Pollyanne Trapmore, Theatre Manager & Producer at Embassy Theatre, Skegness. With 18 years of dedication to the theatre industry, Pollyanne has carved out a career defined by passion, resilience and innovation. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey, her insights on women in theatre and what International Women’s Day 2025 means to her.
How long have you been working at Embassy Theatre?
18 yrs
How did you get into the Theatre industry?
I was a pianist by trade which took me into performing in London hotel lounges and then on into Piano sales after my A-levels – the combination of an entertainment environment, business operations and exemplary customer service has always been my passion.
What does a typical day look like in your role as Theatre Manager and Producer?
If there were a typical day…😉 I describe my week as follows:
Mon and Fri – focus on detail; casting the net and reeling ‘em in.
Tues/Wed/Thurs – I spend onsite – talking! Meeting with the team- brainstorming plans, marketing strategies, production elements – forthcoming season opportunities and unpicking the operational challenges that present themselves daily.
Sat / Sun – I will always touch base with the team and often visit site to see the evening up and in full swing. I always joke that EVERYTHING REALLY HAPPENS after 5pm Friday in our line of work!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
When I entered the Embassy as FOH Manager my biggest challenge was being a relatively young (27yrs) manager of a more mature team. Mistakes were made – and learnt from. The second biggest challenge – being female – although I sharpened my wit and fast grew broad shoulders the audacity of this never fails to astound me. I am pleased to say that I have noted a significant shift in industry attitudes over the last decade though and truly believe that misogyny is as close as it will ever be to being stamped out – perhaps by all those “little girls in marketing” eh Derek?!?
What advice would you give to young women looking to pursue a career in theatre management or production?
Be prepared and be purposeful – know what you want to achieve whilst realising that this must also benefit what others need out of it too. In Entertainment in particular – standard of delivery – above all – is what you will be measured on. Boundaries in place – be obliging, flexible and hardworking wherever you can.
How do you think the theatre industry can do more to support women’s advancement?
By sharing stories of choice through empowerment rather than tragedy.
Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
I have three moments –
1 / the work I and my closet colleagues did over COVID to ensure the Embassy Theatre kept the appetite of its supporters.
2/ delivery of a 6-week free to access inspirational triple-bill Art Installation and surrounding programme of activity – such like – the area has never seen. inOrbit.
3/ teaching Elmo to play the piano!
What role does theatre play in inspiring social change, particularly for women’s rights and representation?
Theatre has the biggest and most impactful of all platforms – it is extremely important that the highest positions in cultural organisations are curated carefully though; the phenomenon that is SIX is clear representation of this – integrity is all.
How can we encourage more women to take on leadership roles in the arts and culture sector?
By showing leaders that already represent them, seeing their actions and hearing their stories – telling me a woman can apply for such a position is not the same as showing me a woman who is already in position.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
Being real about what it has taken for this country and what it continues to take around the globe – rather than being glib about our own good fortune and “girl power”.
What is your favourite piece of theatre/musical and why?
CABARET
The most perfect representation of Musical Theatre delivering a message… stylish and saucy yet deadly serious.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!
At Magna Vitae, we are proud to support and amplify the voices of women across leisure, arts and culture. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite you to join us in championing female leadership, creativity and empowerment.
Let’s accelerate action together!
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