About Local Theatre Touring Alliance
Who we are
The Local Theatre Touring Alliance is a collaborative initiative dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of local theatre in the UK’s towns and smaller cities. We are not a membership organisation; instead, we focus on uniting people and ideas to address the shared challenges faced by the UK touring theatre community.
Our Purpose
Secure the future of local theatres
Foster collaboration across the touring ecosystem
Champion innovative touring and business models
Advocate for supportive cultural policies
Rebuild and grow theatre audiences
Our Values
Trust: We commit to open and honest dialogue.
Transparency: We share information and decisions openly.
Collaboration: We work together to create long-term solutions.
Respect: We value everyone’s contribution.
our board & national Convenor
Laura Elmes - Director
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Laura is a theatre producer working across musicals and comedy, focusing on bold work that resonates beyond the stage and emphasizes theatre sustainability. During the pandemic, she founded and ran the UK's largest drive-in cinema and theatre, which became the country’s top-grossing cinema. Her work spans local theatre productions to UK touring theatre, including West End productions and Edinburgh Fringe shows. Passionate about supporting new talent, particularly LGBTQ+ and female-identifying creatives, Laura received a Stage One Bursary in 2018 and joined the Board of the League of Independent Producers in 2023.
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Carolyn is a Senior Producer and arts leader with experience across local theatre, young people’s work, festivals, and UK and international touring. She has developed and delivered work in a wide range of settings, including outdoor and site-specific productions that emphasize theatre sustainability. As a committed advocate for racial and social justice, Carolyn currently serves as the Executive Director and Joint CEO of Talawa, the UK’s leading Black theatre company. Additionally, she is a co-opted member of the UK Theatre Board.
Adam Knight - Director
Carolyn ML Forsyth - Director
Adam Knight - Director
Adam is the Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre, a prominent local theatre that is part of Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisation and a UK Theatre Award winner for Excellence in Arts Education. His career encompasses senior roles across major UK venues and international touring theatre, complemented by his experience as a performer and producer. Adam has spearheaded significant organisational and capital development efforts, including securing £22.5m in government funding aimed at regeneration in Crewe. He actively serves on several boards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, championing theatre sustainability and the arts community.
Katie Town - Director
David Brownlee - National Convenor
Adam Knight - Director
Katie is the Chief Executive Officer at Theatre Royal Wakefield, where she has spearheaded a significant period of creative and organisational change since 2015, including an important capital extension that enhances the local theatre's offerings. Before this role, she was the General Manager of the National Theatre’s Learning Department. Katie began her career in law but transitioned into the arts, working at the Royal Opera House and Candoco Dance Company, where she developed a strong commitment to theatre sustainability and the future of UK touring theatre. Her focus on leadership, learning, and organisational development has been pivotal during her tenure.
David Brownlee - National Convenor
David Brownlee - National Convenor
David Brownlee - National Convenor
David is the LTTA's part-time National Convenor. When he isn't supporting local theatre through the LTTA, David runs Data Culture Change. His previous leadership roles include Chief Executive of Audiences UK, Executive Director of UK Theatre, Founding Director of the Family Arts Campaign, and Managing Director of Purple Seven. He began his career in arts marketing and fundraising, focusing on theatre sustainability, before moving into local government and then to Arts Council England, where he held one regional and two National Director roles in the UK touring theatre sector.