Founder of The Outsiders Project 

The Outsiders Project was founded by Nell Leyshon, award-winning novelist and playwright, and Deputy Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe. Nell has worked with marginalised voices for 17 years, focusing on developing skills and self-esteem, and the writer’s original and authentic voice. She has worked with recovering addicts, ex-offenders, mental health service users, indigenous peoples in Labrador and Peru. She worked with the Gypsy community for 8 years to help release their own voices.

Nell left The Outsiders Project as Artistic Director in 2023 to concentrate on her own work. 

Director and Producer

Jo Billingham is a Theatre Maker and Director originally from the West Midlands and now based in Dorset. She has been working in theatre since 2006 and is passionate about supporting emerging artists and developing platforms for unheard and outsider voices.

Writer in Residence

Si Mack lives and writes, one day at a time, in Bournemouth. He gained an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University in 2012. He teaches creative writing in higher education, charity and arts organisations. His poems and short stories have been published in numerous journals and anthologies, and his collection Returns (HeadLight Press) was published in 2019.

Lead Prison Artist

Gary spent his early life up to age 35 in and out of various prisons, but has completely transformed his life and has spent the last 16 years helping drug and alcohol addicts. He started writing after seeing The Vodka Hunters and joined the creative writing workshops. He had always been attracted by performance and writing, but never had the opportunity to start until he took part in Secret Voices.

Musician

Deena is a British-Iranian multidisciplinary musician, sonic artist, DJ and general soundnerd. She composes for mixed media including theatre and film. Deena studied classical music growing up and now teaches composing and sound design for media at the Bournemouth Academy of Modern Music. Listen to Deena’s work on Soundcloud.

Sound Technician

Geoff worked as a sound technician and stage manager in London through the 80s and early 90s. He was a founder member of Vita Nova in 1999 and managed Bournemouth youth services live performance project (Baseline) for 3 years. In 2018 Geoff started his company Headlighting, who do production lighting and specialise in site specific small to medium size productions. Geoff is now tech for The Outsiders Project and helps manage the BAD building.