Our people
Drivers not passengers
The Four Wheel Drive Story
Built around collaboration and a drive to create unique excellence.
Co-founded by emerging creatives, frustrated with the lack of opportunity to create innovative theatre in York. Joly and Anna wanted to build something that was nimble and adaptive to ever-changing industry needs.
The journey continues, as we embrace ‘bumps in the road’ as we pivot to provide our clients with excellent ‘off-road’ theatrical experiences.
We hold our core values close; community, collaboration and innovation.
Anna Gallon |Co-Founder and Artistic Director | she/her
Anna trained as a director, working across theatre, film and interactive media forms. She pioneers the company’s ‘off-road’ creative vision, ensuring we deliver artistic excellence for clients and audiences.
Her background in experimental and immersive theatre practises informs our approach to projects, constructing unforgettable experiences specific to the environments they are situated in.
Anna also works as a producer, educator and facilitator. She is an avid supporter of emerging actors, local artists, and Newcastle United.
Joly Black | Co-Founder and Executive Producer | he/him
Joly’s background in business as an entrepreneur, theatre production, hospitality and events allows him to strive for excellence with Four Wheel Drive’s projects.
Whilst pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the business, Joly prioritises supporting emerging creatives looking to forge a career and seeks opportunities to better expand outreach offerings.
Joly also works as a freelance producer, can often be found on LinkedIn and is a proud drinker of Yorkshire Tea… lot’s of it!
our community
At the heart of Four Wheel Drive lies our vibrant community of local creatives and freelancers.
We pride ourselves on engaging with and supporting local talent and all that it has to offer.
Join us!
If you’re a theatre-maker in York (and surrounding areas) looking for a community, let’s connect. Check out our dedicated page For Creatives:
PARTNERSHIPS
We pride ourselves on collaborating with creative organisations and building a community. See some of our previous and ongoing relationships:
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We produced a 5-day festival at this fringe theatre venue on Monkgate, York.
Theatre@41 is a fantastic space with a flexible blackbox that can fit about 100 people. They also have 2 rehearsal spaces. The venue is ran by a wonderful team of volunteers.
Find out more here
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The Guild of Media Arts champion and support the cultural and creative sector of York. A UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts.
They were a proud supporter of our 5-day festival: CONNECT.
We’re grateful for their ongoing support as we grow.
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Viridian Lab was a sponsor of our 5-day festival: CONNECT. We are continuing to work with them for some exciting development incorporating immersive technologies into live performance..
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A community-led co-working space in the centre of York, Space CIC is the backdrop for numerous businesses and creatives to make their work, including us!
SPACE is not just our office, it is a valued community and support network which allows us to continually grow and provide the best services to our clients.
We have held events, workshops, read-throughs and shoots in this dynamic and creative space.