Meet the heart of Trafalgar Events – our wonderful team. Their dedication and expertise make our magical events possible. With years of experience, they come together to craft each event to perfection.
Group Hospitality & Customer Experience Director
Mark Hollington
Mark has worked in complex Hospitality businesses throughout his career, focusing extensively on the arts and leisure sector.
Mark has a depth of understanding in business development and growth funding and specialises in complex reengineering and reshaping operations; strengths he has developed throughout his career with Trafalgar Theatres, previously HQ Theatres.
Mark started his Hospitality journey in quick service restaurants and bars, including Pizza Express as their New Openings Manager, and developed within the arts and leisure sector to gain a detailed understanding of food and drink service strategy within theatres.
Head of Events
Hayley Garrey
Hayley is the Group Head of Events for Trafalgar Theatres where she programmes events across our venue estate, setting growth targets, effective financial reporting and driving best in class delivery.
She advocates strongly for exciting new event programming and works extensively with our producing partners to tailor shows for our spaces and audiences.
Hayley has a vast background in hospitality and events, including holding positions of Hospitality Manager and General Manager for the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre. Her former roles also include Wedding and Events Sales Manager at Stock Brook Manor and Group Operations Manager and Venue Manager at Country House Weddings.
Group Events Sales Manager
Claire Polley
Claire crafts the group’s event offer and leads a proactive and innovative event sales strategy across the corporate, private, banqueting and non-ticketed business.
Claire was previously the Hospitality Events Sales Manager at Southend Cliffs Pavilion, a position she held for four years. Her previous experience and roles include Meetings, Events & Reservations Manager at Holiday Inn, Senior Events Manager for Marriott Hotels and Sales Executive at Leicester City Football Club.
Group Hospitality Promotions Manager
Hayley Garner
Hayley has 15 years experience working in theatre in both marketing and hospitality.
Hayley manages social media strategies to increase awareness, customer engagement and sales as well as supporting venues with planning, coordinating and executing successful marketing strategies for Trafalgar Events & Hospitality.
Previously she has worked as Southend Theatres Hospitality Promotions Manager before joining the Central team as a Marketing Services Executive.
Event Programming Manager
Demi Coker
Demi-Leigh Coker is the Event Programming Manager for Trafalgar Theatres where she leads the programming of ticketed events across the Trafalgar Theatre's group, developing and delivering innovative events. She also ensures website content is accurate, engaging and aligned with the strategic direction of the business.
Working alongside the Head of Events, she assists with all Financial reporting, data entry and processing for the group.
Demi joined in 2021 as the Hospitality Administrator helping to assist the Sales Manager, Operations Manager and Hospitality Manager with their daily duties.
Head of Food & Beverage
Paul Lawman
Paul is an experienced F&B operator with an extensive knowledge of procurement and supply chains, brand agreements and controls surrounding costs of goods.
He has an enhanced accreditation in food safety and consistently champions new brands and emerging trends within the F&B industry.
He previously worked within Mitchell & Butler’s area management team and has an extensive chef background having worked within Rosette awarded restaurants, as well as successfully owning bars and function suites.
Paul is a Chartered Manager and a member of Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Food and Beverage Support Manager
Iggie Panepinto
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Iggie is a seasoned Food and Beverage Manager dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Iggie has worked in various capacities within prestigious establishments, including opening the London Eye and the Millenium Dome. He has previously opened flagship venues with private members bars, alongside acting as an Operation Manager for Costa Coffee and Richoux restaurants.
Iggie is focused on staying abreast of industry trends, contributing to innovative hospitality projects, and driving success.
Group Support & Development Manager
Blake Chrysanthou
With over ten years of experience in the food industry, Blake is a seasoned Development Chef having worked for countless multi-site operations.
Dedicated to recipe development, Blake has an eye on the latest emerging trends within the industry and is focused on innovative and high-quality food, tailored to our brand’s standards.
Providing support across multiple venues, Blake oversees the execution of large-scale events, ensuring that food quality and culinary operations align to ensure exceptional dining experiences for our guests.
Blake has a degree in Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management from Brighton Metropolitan College.
Group Support Chef
John Watson
With 12 years in the food industry, John brings passion, creativity, and precision to every kitchen. His experience spans high-volume operations and fine dining, including multiple 2-Rosette restaurants and roles within the Compass Group.
John excels at leading teams, designing fresh, innovative menus, managing large-scale events, and streamlining stock control across multiple venues.
He previously served as Chef de partie at the Cliffs Pavilion, refining his skills in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
Business Support Manager
Amelia Schiller
Amelia Schiller is the Business Support Manager for Trafalgar Theatres, where she ensures the positioning of and continual long-term growth of the Trafalgar Events & Hospitality business. With a focus on brand development, she assists the Group Hospitality & Customer Experience Director with enacting future hospitality strategies.
Amelia joined Trafalgar Entertainment in 2018, working for Trafalgar Theatre Productions as their Office Coordinator, supporting some of the industry’s leading producers, creatives and performers, after having completed an internship with the company the previous year.
Amelia has a BA in Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance from the University of York.