NEW Forest theatre company, Forest Forge, has welcomed three new trustees to its board.

Theatre maker Victoria Briggs, theatre producer Lizanne Smith-Head and solicitor Mike Wilson have joined the board, bringing their knowledge and expertise from cultural and legal sectors.

Lizanne, a University of Winchester graduate with a degree in choreography and dance, brings significant experience from her role as senior producer for ZoieLogic Dance Theatre in Southampton.

She manages workshops and consultations and supports people of all ages in arts and social care.

Victoria, from Salisbury, has previously held leadership positions at arts organisations including MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton, Salisbury Playhouse and London’s Roundhouse.

With a focus on creating politically charged work as a theatre director, and multisensory theatre for children and families, Victoria's current projects include an adaptation of Little Robin Red Vest and a new children’s opera, The Vanishing Forest.

Mike, head of the Lymington office of Moore Barlow Solicitors, specialises in property law.

His connection with Forest Forge began when the company moved premises at the end of 2023.

Mike's role often involves him in dealing with matters for those who are no longer able or wish to handle things themselves.

Forest Forge, operating for more than 40 years, is a significant part of New Forest's cultural life.

In 2023, the company moved to Ringwood, creating new theatre productions and delivering workshops to more than 100 people every week.

New programmes and activities are being developed that use theatre to 'find the extraordinary in the ordinary'.

The roles of the trustees are voluntary and the new members join an existing board which comprises experts in local government, health and wellbeing, charity governance and marketing and communications.

Lizanne said: "I am thrilled to be supporting the Forest Forge team as a trustee, especially at such an exciting time in the organisation's development."

Victoria said: "The training and guidance that Forest Forge gave me was incredible – it gave me such a valuable grounding in facilitation that the rest of my career is built on.

"I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter for Forest Forge."