Speaking Out – For a World That Works for All


Here we are in a time of great uncertainty. Many of us feel called to act, to change, to somehow support the deep cultural transformation that is required of us as individuals, communities, organisations and countries if we are to meet the challenge and opportunity of a future world that works for all.

With Deborah Ward, Gill Coombs and Mac Macartney

But what can we do, what can we contribute, how do we feel empowered to speak out on behalf of what we believe, and how can we be most effective in getting our voices heard?

In this one-off taster session, in the wake of the COP26 climate change talks in Glasgow, we will be looking at the subject of Speaking Out – how now, more than ever, it is time for us to stand up for what we believe in, for a different world we know is possible.  Whatever it is that you feel the need to speak out about, whatever you feel your purpose in speaking may be, we will explore how to do it with confidence and potency.

Deborah Antoinette will invite you to taste how theatrical improvisation & storytelling techniques can support your Speaking Out in a playful workshop. Gill Combes will offer a coaching workshop session to give an insight into how your inner landscape can be worked with to support your confidence. The course will culminate in a panel discussion with Mac Macartney and two incredibly well respected speakers who speak out on behalf of the natural world and the ecological challenges of our times, you’ll hear about their experiences and have the opportunity to ask more in the Q&A. Let’s learn to speak out about matters that matter to us!

  • 6pm Storytelling & Theatre Techniques for Speaking Out
  • 7pm Coaching for Speaking Out
  • 8pm Panel Discussion on Speaking Out for Climate Justice.

Key information:

27 November, 6 – 9 pm
With Deborah Ward, Gill Coombs
And Mac Macartney & Guests

FEE: £25

Facilitator details

Deborah Ward

Deborah Antoinette Ward

Deborah’s passion is how playfulness leads to creative acts whether on stage or in life. For her this work starts with body-connection, nurturing imagination and being willing to be bold. After graduating from London International School of Performance Art, LISPA, in 2011, she has worked as an actress, storyteller, performance poet, assistant director, casting director, director and independent producer. Including performances at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Theatre Des Carmes – Avignon, Keochang International Festival of Theatre – Korea, The Cube & The Wardrobe – Bristol. She has also directed shows at the Space theatre – London and The Warren – Brighton Fringe. With SynaesTheatre she facilitates workshops at Hamilton House, Bristol, in Storytelling, Clown, and Mask, in partnership with Coexist & CoResist Collective. She associate produce shows with Ed Littlewood and with CoResist – Transformative Arts Programme. She is an independent creative consultant for solo artists and small companies.

Gill Coombs

Gill Coombs has supported hundreds of people in knowing themselves more fully, and living more authentically. 1:1 sessions blend coaching, counselling and ecotherapy approaches with your own deep wisdom. Take time to focus on your work, business venture or art project, activism, volunteering, or simply what your soul wants your life to be. Transformational sessions, bringing tangible changes. Gill also works with workplace teams and community groups, supporting them in developing vision, goals, collaboration, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

Books include The Trembling Warrior: A Guide for Reluctant Activists, Hearing our Calling: Rethinking work and the Workplace, and The Game: Life vs the Dark Powers. She is always delighted to receive invitations to speak about the ideas in her books.

Mac Macartney

Mac Macartney

In 1999 Mac founded Embercombe. At which time he was also the founder and CEO of a leadership consultancy for corporate executives operating internationally between 1989-2005. Over a period of twenty years Mac was mentored and coached by a group of Native American teachers. During this training and ever since he has attempted to bring two worlds together – an ancient world view that emphasises relationship, interdependence, and reverence for life with the huge challenges and equally huge opportunities of the 21st Century. You can find out more about Mac’s work here.