Many of you will already know that our Co-Director Josie Sutcliffe died this summer and for all of us at Dreadnought a huge chasm has opened up, we are taking the time needed with all that we have learnt from Josie as a human being, cultural and community leader to take our next steps, holding her close in our hearts.
Josie was a Co-founder and Co-director of Dreadnought South West with her partner Natalie McGrath. She was the Director and Dramaturg of Dreadnought’s original project and play; Oxygen written by Natalie, back in 2013. It marked the centenary of the extraordinary story of the Great 1913 Women’s Pilgrimage where women walked from Land’s End to Hyde park demanding their right to vote. This role was something she did with flair, vision, great skill and passion. Bringing Natalie’s words to life in a beautiful way. At her heart Josie was a fantastic storyteller who worked for many decades supporting others to step into their own authority by telling their own stories.
Josie was a fiercely proud Mother to her two beautiful children Jasper and Verity, and a fiercely proud Italian Nonna as she was known to her five grandchildren. We send our love to them, their partners, wider and extended family, and to her dearest friends who are all in our thoughts at this time.
There will be a celebration of the enormous impact, reach and influence that Josie had in the world. It will be an opportunity to celebrate and mark her unique presence, dynamic spirit, generosity, creativity, values and her humanity.
There might also be some dancing!
We will announce the date and details at the beginning of 2026.