The artistic director of Theatre Peckham has been awarded an MBE by the King, for her services to marginalised young people in the arts.
Suzann McLean, was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
Speaking to Suzann following the news, she told us it feels “lovely to be recognised for the work she was born to do. I just do the work because I love it,” she said. “So to be noticed in this way is so uplifting.”
Long before joining Theatre Peckham in 2018, she was an actress and then founded her own company, in east London ‘Young and Talented,’ a successful programme that nurtures and develops young people for stage, screen and life.
Having faced obstacles herself when trying to break into the industry, she is keen to be an example for young people – especially those from difficult backgrounds.
“I wanted to be an actor and go to drama school, but not everyone was supportive. Especially at my school – they didn’t think it was realistic.”
Despite some people’s doubts, Suzann pushed through and made it to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. But when she got there, she says she felt inclined to prove herself even more because of her background.
“I didn’t come from an affluent background. And there was an obvious difference between who could afford to go to shows to network and learn, and who couldn’t.
“The cost is a huge barrier. But I was also the only black girl in my class.
“When I would go up for certain roles, Juliet [Romeo and Juliet] for example, people would say to me – do you really think you can play that role? I was always having to prove people wrong.”
Desmond’s crew came back on the manor for thirty year anniversary reunion at Theatre Peckham
She said it is this understanding of the barriers many people face that is the driving force behind the work she does.
“This award is dedicated to all the young people I work with – there are about 400 across the programmes at Theatre Peckham alone. I will continue to create opportunities for them to shine.”
Suzann explained that although many actors get these awards, she is proud that hers is for this reason instead: “It feels super special.”
Theatre Peckham is an innovative, creative arts hub, and like all community-based organisations, it has a civic role as an agent of cohesion and change.
Along with her work in Peckham, she has a new project at Canada Water Theatre, which recently came under their leadership.
Suzann said she hopes both sites can continue to be accessible spaces for people to come and develop their ideas. “Watching people grow is the best part of the job,” she added.
MBE for Theatre Peckham founder who inspired Star Wars actor John Boyega
