Team

  • Patrick J. O’Reilly

    Artistic Director
    Patrick is a theatre-maker and Le Coq trained performer. He began working with Tinderbox in 2016. Since then, he has implemented a vision of liberation and playfulness, focusing on the development and celebration of artistic collaboration.

  • Ciarán Haggerty

    Creative Producer
    Ciaran joined Tinderbox in 2022. He specialises in writing, theatre-making and visual design. Ciaran has extensive experience of writing for magazines, and creating online content. He is a graduate of The International Film School of Wales.

  • Clíona Donnelly

    Development Manager
    Clíona is an experienced arts professional specialising in fundraising and business development. She has held key roles at the Abbey Theatre and Northern Ireland Opera, where she was General Manager until 2022. Now a freelance consultant, she works with a range of arts and cultural organisations, generating income and developing partnerships that support long-term sustainability.

  • Martin Ožarek

    Graphic Designer and Creative Content Coordinator
    Martin joined Tinderbox in 2025, specialising in graphic design, motion graphics, and digital content creation. He has worked across branding, marketing, and web design, with a keen eye for visual storytelling. A graduate of Ulster University’s Graphic Design & Illustration programme, his work has been recognised by the International Society of Typographic Designers.

Board of Trustees

  • Rachel Leitch

    Chair of the board and Marketing Manager at The MAC Theatre, Rachel brings extensive experience in arts marketing and leadership. She is passionate about audience engagement and the growth of Belfast’s cultural scene.

  • Michael Ford

    Treasurer and Finance Manager at the Lyric Theatre, Michael has a strong background in financial management for the arts. He ensures financial sustainability while supporting artistic innovation.

  • Lee Robb

    Founder of Positive Carrickfergus and co-founder of Repair Café Belfast, Lee focuses on community, creativity, and sustainability. They work to open space for imagination and a thriving future.

  • Sally Rees

    A Drama and Performing Arts teacher and President of NASUWT Northern Ireland, Sally oversees artistic strategy and development. She is a dedicated advocate for educators and creative learning.

  • Christopher Travers

    Director of Marketing and Communications at Sadler’s Wells and former Head of Marketing at Tate. With 25 years’ experience across arts, media, and global communications, he brings a dynamic, strategic vision.

  • Natalie Murphy

    A Casting Director with over ten years of experience in stage and production management. She brings a deep understanding of talent development and theatre production.

  • Dr. Trish McTighe

    Senior Lecturer in Drama at Queen’s University Belfast, Trish specialises in Samuel Beckett and European avant-garde theatre. Her research focuses on embodiment, gender, and performance studies.