Mary Lidgate, M.A., is a founder member and partner of Theatre4Business and a Director of Carbonsense Ltd. 

Mary learned the transformative power of theatre as Project Manager with the innovative Claque Theatre Company www.claquetheatre.co.uk.  Mary has a great deal of experience in making things happen against the odds, working in different parts of the country forming teams and building resources to put on productions involving hundreds of people.  Mary is passionate about making connections, building relationships and thinking out of the box. 

Living and working in different communities with their various stories and aspirations, has deepened Mary’s belief in people and their potential to achieve beyond their expectations.  She has seen how personal capacity can be built to face new challenges and believes that theatre is a uniquely powerful tool for doing this. In her sessions she seeks to achieve a safe and dynamic space for experiential learning and risk taking in order to allow participants to build on personal strengths, overcome perceived boundaries and release their creative spirit.  She understands the reluctance we feel to step out of our safety zones but knows the fabulous results which can come from doing so. She believes that now more than ever creativity and how to work with it is the most valuable asset for any individual or organisation.

Mary is fascinated by the natural world and believes we have much to learn from it.  She is delighted that collaborations between Theatre4Business and Carbonsense have helped to inspire change towards a low carbon future.  She has led workshops in leadership development and communication skills to build capacity at all levels of organisations moving towards sustainability.

Clients Mary has worked with on a range of programmes have included Barclays Bank, Norwich Union, Nationwide, Plymouth College or Art and Design, BSN: Women in Business, Triarchy Press, Honda Formula One, Transport for London and others.   She also works as a guest tutor at Cranfield School of Management and a course facilitator at Schumacher College.

Mary holds a BA and MA from Exeter University, U.K. and has been privileged to train with practitioners leading their field such as Augusto Boal, Cecily Berry, Jon Oram and Howard Barker.  Mary enjoys writing and has several published reports and articles.  Apart from an ongoing passion for people and theatre, Mary has pursued a range of interests including walking, swimming, abseiling and sky diving.