Meet the Team
Community Coordinator:
Susan
Susan is thrilled to serve as the Community Coordinator for the Cracked Slipper Company. She joined the team in August 2023, bringing 26 years of experience supporting charities in Herefordshire, including the National Trust, British Red Cross, and her current project, Herefordshire Young Carers Club.
With a deep passion for working with disadvantaged young people, Susan understands the transformative power of a supportive community.
Harry joined the Cracked Slipper Company in December 2023 as the Youth Engagement Officer. In this role, he collaborates with schools, organizations, and community groups across Herefordshire to explore how the charity can best support participants in its programs. Having grown up performing from a young age, Harry understands the power of drama to engage, inspire, and build confidence.
To get in touch with Harry, email him at harrycoleman.thecrackedslipper@gmail.com.
Artistic Director:
Ed
She is committed to ensuring every child has access to the same opportunities as their peers, regardless of the challenges they face. When the chance to join the Cracked Slipper Company arose, she was eager to take on the role, helping to foster meaningful connections and expand community outreach.
Outside of work, Susan cherishes time with her family and enjoys exploring the beautiful Herefordshire countryside with their beloved dog, Badger.
To get in touch with Susan, email her at susanbrace.crackedslipper@gmail.com
Youth Engagement Officer:
Harry
Ed Payne graduated from Middlesex University with a degree in Drama & Theatre Arts before completing a two-year postgraduate acting training at The Poor School in London. Since then, he has won two Hospital Broadcasting Association awards for radio presenting, co-written the album Swimming Upstream for the band Silverland, and written two original novels. He also co-wrote the musical The Girl in the Hat with Ollie Hancock.
Alongside his creative work, Ed is a fully qualified Learning and Development Practitioner. He designs and delivers courses on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as Anti-Bullying & Harassment and Team Resilience.
Ed joined the team in August 2022 as the Drama Lead for D4C and now serves as Artistic Director, overseeing all three groups.
He lives in Hereford with his partner and their British bulldog, Maximus.
Drama Leaders:
Jemima
Jemima holds a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts and has achieved LAMDA Distinctions in Devising, Acting, and Musical Theatre.
She is passionate about singing, the arts, and performance, she loves sharing her enthusiasm with the next generation of talent through her teaching.
Jemima joined the team in March 2023 as the Drama Lead for Thought Bubble and Little Slippers.
Ellen
Ellen has always had a passion for drama and theatre. She studied Theatre Studies at Rose Bruford College before training as a dramatherapist and becoming a fully qualified and registered creative arts psychotherapist.
She has worked in a variety of settings, including emergency and community healthcare, education, and mental health services. As a freelance therapist, she also leads an accessible youth theatre group and play sessions for young people.
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Outside of work, Ellen’s favorite role is being a mum to her young daughter, and she loves exploring and adventuring with her family.
Ellen joined the team in November 2024 as Drama Lead for Little Slippers and D4C.
Drama Assistants:
Grace
Grace is a First-Class BA History and Drama graduate from the University of Exeter, where she received a Dean’s Commendation for Exceptional Achievement.
With a passion for research, storytelling, and performance, Grace has extensive experience as a workshop leader, mentor, and public speaker. She has led workshops for children, fostering creativity through drama and improvisation, and has co-led creative writing sessions at the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival.
She has a keen interest in performance, group dancing and enjoys engaging with new challenges that require creativity and adaptability. She joins the team as the assistant for D4C alongside Tracey
Anastasia
Anastasia is an illustrator, educator, and bilingual communicator with a BA (Hons) in Illustration from the University of the West of England, Bristol. She has experience as a Teaching Assistant, working with young learners, including SEND students, to build confidence in education.
She has tutored English to Russian students, conducted art lessons for children via Zoom, and provided translation services for the Russian Blind Football Team. Anastasia combines art, education, and communication to create engaging learning experiences and visual storytelling.
She joined the team as an Assistant in November 2024.
Trustees:
Victoria Craig
Andy Bailey
Cara Good
Ashley Winter
Basil Clement
Anna Wainwright