Actor, director, author and Shakespeare scholar Dr Anni Domingo is the new chair of Theatre Peckham, the award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change.

Domingo’s appointment is significant as she now joins only a handful of women to hold a top leadership position within the Performing Arts industry. Speaking to this breakthrough, Domingo said: “You can’t make a difference unless you have a seat at the table. I’m here to encourage and to say that you can punch your way through. I want people to stand on my shoulders and to surpass what I have achieved. I rejoice in being able to do that because that means we are progressing.”

The London-born, Sierra Leonian native joins Theatre Peckham with a wealth of experience and accomplishments. Domingo’s passion for theatre has thrived in various roles; she is a writer, an actor, director, author and Shakespeare scholar; her book, Breaking The Maafa Chain, published last year, reimagines the lesser known, true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African orphan who became the protégée of Queen Victoria.

If Domingo looks a little familiar, you may have seen her appearances in EastEnders in 2019 and not long after that she delivered a haunting performance in Inua Ellam’s Three Sisters at the National Theatre.

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The new chair also brings depth to her new role. In addition to her achievements in performance art and literature, she holds a number of positions on boards and panels across various sectors. With a background in academia, Domingo is also a qualified teacher of speech and drama and is currently a lecturer at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, at Rose Bruford College, directing at RADA and at Central School of Speech and Drama.

Theatre Peckham is regarded as one of London’s leading community-driven theatres and an important Learning Academy since it was founded more than 30 years ago. As an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change, the institution plays a big role in uplifting and illuminating young voices in the heart of the creative industry.

“…Theatre Peckham is a home, a place where people feel like they can belong.”

Acknowledging the theatre’s standing in the local community, Domingo said: “Theatre Peckham brings together new ideas, new stories and new partnerships. There is a genuine feeling of family in this truly multi-cultural venue that is doing so much to open up conversations, nurture young people through its Academy and embrace its community. Theatre Peckham is a home, a place where people feel like they can belong.”

Domino’s appointment comes after her successor, Sioban Whitney-Low stepped down after six significant years of work. Welcoming Dr Anni Domingo into the Theatre Peckham family, Suzann McLean, Artistic Director of the theatre commented: “My arms are wide open welcoming Dr Anni Domingo into the Theatre Peckham family. She is an inspirational powerhouse, bringing a wealth of experience and valuable insight.”