Meet Our Trustees
Our board of trustees is made up of passionate individuals who live and breathe the arts. With backgrounds in education, event management, performance, and community engagement, we’re not just organisers—we’re performers, creatives, and lifelong supporters of the power of the stage. Whether it’s directing a youth production, singing in a choir, or stepping into the spotlight ourselves, we understand the joy and impact of the performing arts from the inside out. Together, we guide the vision of WOXPAF and the Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama & Musical Theatre, ensuring every event is inclusive, inspiring, and full of heart.
Beth Mabbutt
Chair of Trustees
Beth is the founder and Chair of the West Oxfordshire Performing Arts Foundation. A trained vocalist and experienced project manager, she created the festival to share her love of performance and help build stronger links between local arts communities.
Helen White
Trustee
Helen has a rich history of performing on the stage, with past roles including Abigail in The Crucible, Desdemona in Othello, Edith in Blithe Spirit, Daisy in Daisy Pulls it Off (twice), and more recent appearances as Mrs T in Avenue Q, Rosie in The Wedding Singer, and Ellen Bunting in Vintage Hitchcock. She is delighted to be joining the trustees of WOXPAF as a performer, and as a parent to a young performer.
Jennifer Barton
Trustee
Jennifer is an experienced performer, designer, and stage manager with a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts. She’s worked on productions at the Edinburgh Fringe and with Buttercross Theatre Productions, where she’s taken on both acting and backstage roles. Jennifer is passionate about inclusive theatre and is proud to support WOXPAF’s mission as a trustee.
Kate Southey
Trustee
Kate is excited to join WOXPAF as a trustee, and is passionate about supporting the inclusivity we have at the heart of our work. A keen actor, Kate has performed locally in her one woman show, Every Brilliant Thing, and has performed in numerous productions with Witney Dramatic Society, and recently performed with Buttercross Theatre Productions in Vintage Hitchcock: a Live Radio Play.
Sally Jones
Trustee
Sally’s lifelong love of the arts began with dance festivals, where she supported her younger sister’s performance journey and discovered the joy of creative expression. Currently studying for a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, and with a background in languages—having studied French and Spanish—Sally brings a rich appreciation for storytelling and cultural connection. Her experience working with young people through teaching has deepened her commitment to nurturing creativity in others. Now, as a trustee of WOXPAF, she’s excited to help shape inclusive festival experiences that celebrate imagination and artistic growth. Sally enjoys a wide range of creative hobbies, including crochet, sewing, and working on her novel.
Debbie Ruth
Trustee
Debbie is Creative Director and Head of Acting at Buttercross Theatre Productions and a proud trustee of WOXPAF. A trained performer and experienced director, she brings a lifelong passion for the arts and a commitment to helping people grow in confidence through inclusive, high-quality creative experiences.