Four New and One Returning Artist
Pentabus has named its Associate Artists for 2025, welcoming four new members alongside a returning artist. Actor and writer Katie Elin-Salt, writer Sophie Ellerby, actor and director Naeem Hayat, and writer Tom Powell join playwright Anoushka Warden, who continues in the role for a third year. The cohort will support the utterly splendid Pentabus’ artistic programme, contribute to new talent development, and help shape the company’s future work.
A Strengthened Connection to Rural Stories
Each of the five artists has an existing relationship with Pentabus, the UK’s leading rural theatre company. Elin-Salt has facilitated and mentored Pentabus’ Local Young Writers group. Ellerby was a Clive Richards Foundation Writer-in-Residence in 2018. Hayat directed the company’s 2024 Local Young Writers showcase, SEEN. Powell, also a former CRF Writer-in-Residence, collaborated with Pentabus on a digital version of The Silence and the Noise, which won multiple awards. Warden’s digital play Toed was produced by the company in 2022.
Pentabus’ Artistic Director, Elle While, described the artists as an “exceptional” group, praising their contributions to the company’s creative work. “We are so grateful to them for the care and invaluable contributions they have all already made to the company and look forward to their inquisitive and ambitious contributions helping to shape the future output and opportunities from our small but mighty organisation.”
Supporting New Work and Touring Productions
The Associate Artists will work alongside Pentabus at a significant moment for the company. 2025 marks the company’s first year hosting a Jerwood Writer-in-Residence, with Olivier-nominated playwright Liv Hennessey (Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial). The company is also preparing a UK tour of Driftwood, a play by former Writer-in-Residence Tim Foley, following its successful rural tour in 2023.
Pentabus recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the occasion with Make Good: The Post Office Musical, which played to sold-out audiences across the UK. The company remains committed to its core mission: bringing contemporary theatre to rural communities while platforming rural stories in urban settings.
The Role of the Associate Artists
Elin-Salt, who has long championed access to the arts, highlighted the importance of theatre in communities with limited opportunities. “I’m hugely inspired by companies and artists who reach beyond just what is expected of them and their audiences – and I’m very excited about finding and nurturing stories and talents for and from a wider scope of experiences and perspectives.”
Ellerby, reflecting on her return to Pentabus, spoke about the company’s role in supporting rural voices: “Investment in rural arts and culture is more important now than ever before, as a tool to spark discussion and impact positive change.”
The newly appointed Associates join a company that has spent five decades producing and touring new work. Pentabus has developed more than 300 plays, supported 120 playwrights, and reached audiences across the country, from village halls to digital platforms. Its Young Writers’ Programme, now in its 10th year, has launched the careers of numerous playwrights working in theatre, radio, and television.
With a slate of new projects and an expanded team of artists, Pentabus continues to explore what rural theatre can be, ensuring that stories from across the country find their audience.
Featured Image: clockwise from Top-Left: Katie Elin-Salt, Sophie Ellerby, Naeem Hayat, Tom Powell, and Anoushka Warden – image provided by Pentabus.
At a Glance:
- Pentabus’ Associate Artists for 2025: Katie Elin-Salt, Sophie Ellerby, Naeem Hayat, Tom Powell, and Anoushka Warden.
- The company’s first Jerwood Writer-in-Residence: Liv Hennessey.
- Upcoming tour: Driftwood by Tim Foley.
- Pentabus’ 50th-anniversary production: Make Good: The Post Office Musical.
- Young Writers’ Programme: Celebrating its 10th year.
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