Phil Penfold

Portia MacIntosh discusses how growing up in Oakworth and spending time in Keighley library immersed her in Yorkshire's literary culture, including the Brontë sisters and The Railway Children. She describes moving from journalism and music writing into romantic-comedy fiction after her first novel was accepted by HarperCollins, and explains how overheard conversations, music and punning titles influence her writing. MacIntosh recommends books, television, theatre and music, including Olga Tokarczuk's thriller Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead, The Rocky Horror Show and Breaking Bad. Her latest audiobook, Ex in Provence, is available through Audible, while her forthcoming novel Out of Your League will explore romance in rugby league. Her ambition is to see one of her books adapted into a film, with her involved in production and casting.

Elizabeth Newman discusses her role as artistic director of Sheffield Theatres, her career path and ambition to keep Sheffield at the forefront of British theatre. She highlights the Crucible’s planned 2028 conversion to a flexible in-the-round configuration capable of hosting larger audiences and snooker tournaments, alongside the city’s strong public support for its theatres. Newman also reflects on disability, self-doubt, artistic standards and the importance of developing work by artists from Yorkshire. Upcoming highlights include productions of King Lear and Twelfth Night, while recent successes such as A Christmas Carol and the Lyceum pantomime have reinforced her optimism about the organisation’s future.

Elizabeth Newman describes her enthusiasm for leading Sheffield Theatres and her ambition to keep the city at the forefront of British theatre. The organization’s four venues—including the Crucible, Lyceum and Montgomery—are presented as a major cultural asset, with the Crucible set to become adaptable for full in-the-round seating by 2028, potentially accommodating almost 2,000 spectators for snooker. Newman reflects on overcoming childhood illness and disability-related prejudice, her previous leadership roles, and her commitment to supporting actors, developing new work and maintaining artistic excellence. Upcoming highlights include productions of King Lear and Twelfth Night, while strong audiences for A Christmas Carol, the Lyceum pantomime and snooker reinforce her optimism about Sheffield’s theatrical future.