Stage One has named Francesca Moody MBE, Eleanor Lloyd OBE and Tristan Baker as the first mentors for its 50th anniversary ‘5 at 50’ initiative.
The scheme marks five decades of the charity’s work supporting emerging theatre producers and will provide five early to mid‑career producers with year‑long one‑to‑one mentoring from leading industry figures.
Eleanor Lloyd OBE, a multiple Olivier Award‑winning theatre producer, works extensively across the West End and Broadway and champions female and ethnically diverse theatre makers. Her producing credits span Witness for the Prosecution, Murder She Didn’t Write, A Christmas Carol, Prima Facie on Broadway, Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial, The Collaboration, Constellations and Emilia.
She said, ‘I have been involved with Stage One since the very beginning of my career. As someone who came from the North West of England, with a desire to be a producer but no understanding of how the theatre business worked, Stage One was essential for me to be able to build a network, ask a million questions and work out how to make my way in the industry. I still remember attending their flagship West End Workshop many years ago – what I learnt there absolutely set me up to progress and I still use the basics to this day. I am very proud to sit on the Board of the organisation and see my role as a 5 at 50 mentor as vital to support the next generation of producers.’
Francesca Moody MBE is best known for Fleabag, Baby Reindeer and Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder. She co‑led the Fleabag for Charity campaign and helped establish the Theatre Community Fund, raising over £2 million to support artists affected by Covid‑19. Last year she agreed a first‑look deal with Wells Street Films and Amazon Studios.
She said, ‘It’s incredibly important for the industry to support individuals who have the passion, drive and guts to succeed as a producer. I’m thrilled to be a mentor for Stage One’s 5 at 50 programme and build relationships with individuals who are at a pivotal point in their career and full of energy and ideas.’
Tristan Baker, co‑founder of Runway Entertainment, has produced work including The Hunger Games, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Here and Now, Kinky Boots and A Knight’s Tale.
He said, “I’ve seen first‑hand the extraordinary impact Stage One has had on so many members of my teams, many of whom have been mentored and nurtured through various programme. Having also mentored numerous Stage One alumni over the years, I’m delighted to continue my involvement as a mentor for 5 at 50.”
Stage One’s 50th anniversary year will include the ‘5 at 50’ scheme and celebratory events alongside the charity’s regular training, placement and investment programmes. The initiative supports producers preparing to transition from small or mid‑scale work to major West End or national touring productions, offering mentoring, a £20,000 bursary and £50,000 matched funding for their next commercial venture.
Joseph Smith, CEO of Stage One, said, ‘We wanted to mark our 50th year by offering something impactful. 5 at 50 aims to provide a sustained opportunity for individuals who feel they are at the right point in their career to lead or co‑produce on a large‑scale commercial show. Mentoring is at the heart of Stage One’s offer so we are excited to have five industry leaders, including Eleanor, Francesca and Tristan, join the programme. Each one has a dynamic career story and all are eager to share their knowledge and support the five talented producers who are ready to take that next step.’
Applications are now open here
