Manchester-born opera director, teacher and theatre-maker Caroline Clegg has been recognised with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the She Inspires Awards, celebrating more than 30 years of her work in grassroots theatre and opera.
A national opera director, long-standing tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and founder of Feelgood Theatre Productions, Caroline has spent her career bringing powerful, accessible storytelling to audiences in schools, communities and open-air spaces, as well as on major stages.
Reflecting on the award, Caroline shared just how much the recognition means to her: “I was truly honoured to receive the She Inspires Lifetime Achievement Award. It was deeply humbling to be recognised for my work, and even more moving to stand alongside so many inspirational women who are creating real change across the world.
“I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of person, so despite the ‘lifetime’ part of the award – yes, I admit, I’ve been at this for decades – it still feels as though I’m only just getting started. There are so many more stories waiting to be told: true stories that spark change, magical stories that nurture wellbeing, and creative stories that ensure theatre, music and art are accessible to everyone. I firmly believe that, just like maths, the arts belong at the very heart of our core curriculum.”
Caroline’s work spans everything from open-air theatre in the rain to international opera productions, always underpinned by the belief that the arts should be available to all. Growing up as a young farmer’s daughter, she was once told not to have “ideas above her station” – advice she’s very glad she ignored.
“Along the way, I have been blessed to meet inspirational women at pivotal moments who truly saw me, lifted me when doubts crept in, and encouraged me to keep going,” she says. “But the greatest credit goes to my mum; a hardworking, inspirational, creative lady who never stopped learning. She taught me to make my own opportunities, work hard, and stay true to myself, and it is her light within me that never dims.”
Caroline dedicated the award not just to her own journey, but to all those who believe in the transformative power of the arts: “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and heartfelt thanks to the She Inspires organisation for its integrity and vision. I will cherish this award, continue the journey, and hope I can inspire others to be the very best they can be. With education and the arts, absolutely anything is possible.”
You can read more about Caroline Clegg’s award-winning career and the company she founded here: carolineclegg.com and feelgoodtheatre.co.uk
