Suzann McLean MBE
Title
Honorary Doctor
Person Type
Honorary
Suzann McLean MBE is a graduate of the Italia Conti Academy and Middlesex University, where she received an MA in Directing and Producing Theatre for Social Change. Since 2000, she has directed productions at celebrated venues, including the Hackney Empire, the Peacock Theatre, and York Theatre Royal.
Driven by her determination to make careers in the performing arts more accessible to young people, Suzann founded the Young and Talented in 2004—a theatre school committed to nurturing talent from underrepresented backgrounds. In recognition of her efforts, she was honoured as a torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympics.
Since 2018, Suzann has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham. Guided by her bold leadership, the theatre has bloomed into a multi-award-winning venue known for groundbreaking theatre and the championing of young talent. Alongside her work behind the scenes, she has continued to expand her acting repertoire, with roles in acclaimed television series such as Doctor Who.
Suzann’s vision stretches beyond the walls of her theatre as she actively campaigns for policies that create equity within the arts sector. Her contributions towards the increase of accessibility and diversity within the performing arts have received significant commendation, including an MBE in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List.