Outside Edge Theatre Company has announced Josh Mandel as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees, as the award-winning charity continues its work supporting people affected by addiction through theatre and the arts. The organisation, known for its participatory workshops and productions tackling addiction-related issues, has supported thousands of people over the past 27 years through performances, creative activities, and recovery-focused programmes
By Grace Hatchell
I nearly cycled straight past this one because I thought somebody had pinned a banking appointment to the Theatre Village noticeboard by mistake.
But no — this is actually rather lovely.
Outside Edge Theatre Company, the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on addiction, has announced Josh Mandel as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. And honestly? Reading through it all, you can tell this isn’t one of those “sit quietly in meetings and nod at spreadsheets” sort of appointments.
This sounds like somebody who genuinely believes theatre can change lives.
Josh has worked across teaching, journalism, banking, risk management and financial coaching, including senior roles with KPMG and NatWest, but it’s his connection to community work and participatory arts that really stands out here. He’s also been involved with schools, mentoring and grassroots projects — which feels very “roll sleeves up and get involved” rather than corporate waffle.
And Outside Edge does proper important work, you know.
This isn’t just putting on plays and calling it outreach because somebody handed out a leaflet in the interval.
Over the past 27 years, the company has created more than 60 productions while also running free workshops, wellbeing support, theatre trips, volunteering opportunities and recovery-focused creative sessions for people affected by addiction. Last year alone, they delivered 461 creative activities supporting over 1,100 participants.
That’s not “fringe nice idea” territory anymore.
That’s impact.
Artistic Director and CEO Matt Steinberg said he was excited to welcome Josh as the company enters its “next chapter,” while trustee Joanna Green praised the “professional vibrancy and energy” he’ll bring to the role.
Josh himself spoke about believing in the “power of participatory arts to change people’s lives for the better,” and after seeing the company’s work first-hand, said he was thrilled to support its future development.
Honestly, I like stories like this.
Because sometimes theatre news can feel like closing notices, rising ticket prices, or somebody arguing over stunt casting on the internet at two in the morning.
Then something like this lands in the satchel and reminds you that theatre still reaches people in ways far bigger than applause.
And that’s worth stopping the bike for.
— Grace Hatchell, writing from a café where somebody has just loudly announced they’re “thinking about getting into immersive theatre,” which usually means they once did an escape room in Leeds.
About the Author
