Exeter Phoenix Cafe Bar

Faces of Exeter Phoenix – Anna

A Google search, a move to the coast, and a career built around bringing people together. Anna’s story shows how unexpected paths can lead to the places where we belong.

We caught up with Anna to hear about her time at Exeter Phoenix, the joy of working in a multi-arts venue, and her passion for creating a welcoming space for everyone.

Read her story by swiping through ➡️

Or read the full text below ⬇️

MEET ANNA
You never know who you'll bump into in the Cafe Bar...
This time we caught up with Anna, Exeter Phoenix's Venue Manager and Visitor.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO EXETER PHOENIX?
It was a Google search.
I was working in London at the time, and before that I'd managed a theatre in Norfolk with a sea view.
I knew I wanted to be back near the coast, so I started looking for arts venues close to the sea. Exeter came up and felt close enough.
I looked at the Exeter Phoenix website, saw they were recruiting for a Box Office Manager, applied, and got the job. I moved down, and I could work in Exeter while living by the sea.

HAD YOU BEEN TO EXETER BEFORE?
Only once, very briefly, on the way to see the solar eclipse. I didn't really know the city at all. Once I started working here though, it quickly felt like the right place.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
I joined as Box Office Manager. A few years later the Operations Manager left, the roles were combined and I became Visitor Services Manager. Since then my responsibilities have continued to grow, and now I'm Venue Manager and Visitor Services Manager.

SO WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE TODAY?
A bit of everything! I've been here long enough that people tend to throw things my way, and I'm usually happy to catch them.
I oversee the whole visitor experience, from supporting audiences and artists to managing our front of house teams. One area I'm particularly passionate about is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I lead our EDI strategy, working across the organisation to make sure Exeter Phoenix is welcoming and accessible for everyone. That could mean working with our programmer, Kate, on accessible performances or finding ways to make the building and our events more inclusive.
I also help plan the logistics for our live music programme, I'm part of the executive team, and I look after health and safety across the building.
I've genuinely never thought of this as just a job. There are plenty of less glamorous tasks, like health and safety and risk assessments, but they're all part of creating a safe, welcoming environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves. If people feel safe, they're happy, and that's a really important part of what we do.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE JOB?
Definitely the variety. It sounds like a cliché, but every day really is different.
I've always enjoyed multi arts venues because there's so much going on under one roof. Before this I worked at the Barbican London, so I was used to that kind of environment.
But really it's the people. Seeing audiences enjoy themselves, seeing our staff grow in confidence, and working with our volunteer community. Knowing Exeter Phoenix is somewhere people feel comfortable and welcome is what makes it all worthwhile.

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED A CAREER IN THEATRE?
Pretty much. I studied Drama and English at university and I've always loved theatre. After graduating I walked into a theatre and asked if they had any jobs. They were looking for someone in the box office, and that's where it all started. I've been working in Arts Venues ever since.
What I've love most is the buzz of a multi-arts venue. I enjoy the variety of it all — wandering through an exhibition in the gallery, hearing everything from intimate acoustic performances to loud live gigs, and spending an evening crying with laughter at a comedian.
There's something really special about places where so many different art forms and audiences come together under one roof.

WHAT'S CHANGED MOST SINCE YOU FIRST JOINED EXETER PHOENIX?
One of the biggest changes I've seen is that EDI has become more important than ever. We're incredibly lucky at Exeter Phoenix — there's a real culture of kindness, openness and respect here. I do sometimes think we're in a bit of a kindness bubble, because the world can feel increasingly divided and volatile.
That makes this work feel even more important to me. I'm passionate about helping create spaces where people feel welcome, safe and valued for who they are. It's about being good allies, amplifying voices that haven't always been heard, and being positively proactive rather than assuming inclusion will happen by itself.
Arts venues have a unique role to play in bringing people together. If we can create moments of connection, understanding and belonging, we can help build a stronger, more compassionate community — and that's something I'm really proud to be part of.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE EXETER PHOENIX TO SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN?
I'd say if you're a little bit bonkers, you'll fit right in!
But equally, if you're shy or coming on your own, you'll always find someone to talk to. People here are genuinely approachable and welcoming. We're not a stuffy arts venue. We're down to earth, and there's usually something unexpected happening just around the corner.

Thank you, Anna, for taking the time to chat with us and for everything you do behind the scenes to make Exeter Phoenix such a welcoming place.
So come along, expect a warm welcome... and probably something wonderfully weird too.