Meet the Team

Lizzie Graham

Director

Lizzie started Longborough Festival Opera with her husband Martin and ran it for 24 years. In that time she helped the opera grow from an outdoor affair on hay bales into the 500-seat opera house of today. They have three children who have grown up with opera in their garden, the eldest of whom, Polly, is now an opera director based in Cardiff and Longborough's Artistic Director.

Lizzie retired at the end of the 2014 season, though is still actively involved in the artistic planning as well as strategic direction of the charity.

Alongside scouting new talent for Longborough, Lizzie fits in the odd stint of babysitting two grandchildren who have started on their own journey of opera appreciation.

Emily Gottlieb

Executive Director

Emily joined Longborough as Executive Director in April 2024. Prior to that she spent nine years as Chief Executive of the National Opera Studio, the UK’s foremost opera training organisation, working closely with the Studio’s partner companies: English National Opera, Glyndebourne, the Royal Opera House, Opera North, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera. She spent 15 years with the Royal Opera House; first as Stage Manager, managing over 60 productions for the Royal Opera, then taking a leading role under CEO Alex Beard in the organisational development of the ROH. She was the first ever Consortium-supported Performing Arts Fellow on the prestigious Clore Leadership Programme in 2012-13. She has worked in leading opera companies around the world including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Grange Park Opera and Opera Australia. Emily is a Founder Director of Opera UK, a Trustee of the Buxton International Festival, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts and a relational dynamics coach.

Polly Graham

Artistic Director

Polly read English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and holds an MA in Text & Performance from RADA. She has delivered education projects for Glyndebourne, ENO and WNO. From 2012-14 she was Genesis Assistant Director at WNO, mentored by Sir David Pountney. She was the Independent Opera Directing Fellow in 2016 and was a nominee in Best Newcomer category at the 2017 International Opera Awards. Polly has directed Così fan tutte (Irish National Opera), the world premiere of Pierangelo Valtinoni's Il Piccolo Principe (La Scala, Milan); a triple bill including Freya Wayey Cohen's WITCH (RAM); Der Zauberflöte (RCM); Olga Neuwirth's Orlando (Vienna State Opera); The Gondoliers (RWCMD); The Emperor of Atlantis (Bold Tendencies), A Christmas Carol (Bolzano); Le Vin Herbé and Kommilitonen! (Welsh National Opera). Associate directing includes Mosè in Egitto (San Carlo, Naples) and La Chute de la MaisonUsher/ Usher House (San Francisco). For Longborough, Polly has directed The Fairy Queen and Il ritorno di Ulisse in patria.

Remi Bruno Smith

Head of Artistic Administration

Remi started at Longborough as a freelance stage manager for the 2017 season, and later took on the role of Company Manager in 2019. He joined the team permanently in 2020 and is now the Head of Artistic Administration. Remi trained in stage management at Rose Bruford College, and began working in theatre in London and the South East, from the fringe to the West End. Highlights include Cyrano De Bergerac (2019, Playhouse Theatre), the Pinter at the Pinter season (2018, Harold Pinter Theatre) and presenting A Christmas Carol in the state apartments of Windsor Castle (2017).

Saskia Ross

Head of Development

Saskia has a background in film, television and live event production with the last few years welcoming a move to working in the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Saskia is delighted to be working for Longborough and when not indulging her love of the arts, can be found enjoying life in the country and all things equestrian.

Gregor Spence

Individual Giving and Membership Manager

Gregor studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, graduating with First Class Honours, before completing a Master’s degree in Arts Management with Distinction. While studying, he had a work placement as Fundraising Officer at the Cowbridge Music Festival, where he discovered a passion for working both in the arts and with people. As Philanthropy Officer at Garsington, Gregor spent two seasons deepening his experience and developing a strong interest in opera. Most recently, he has worked at The Benedetti Foundation as Trusts & Foundations Manager. He is also a member and trustee of the Flowers Band, who are the proud winners of the European Brass Band Championships 2026.

Sarah Brooks

Head of Front of House, Operations & Events

Sarah joined the team as Front of House Manager for the 2014 season. Since then, her role has developed to cover all aspects of front of house, logistics and operations as well as planning events outside of the season. Her previous experience of organising corporate and private events in London has given her much experience in all areas of hospitality. During the season, her priority is to ensure our audience enjoy the full Longborough experience.

Emma Campbell

Head of Education & Participation

Emma Campbell has a rich background as a former dancer and choreographer. Having worked across Europe and even as far as Japan, Emma's diverse experiences include a three-year stint with the beloved Circus Roncalli, and assistant choreographer for Gifford's Circus.

With a passion for education, Emma has dedicated the past decade to working with children and young people in local schools. Her extensive 20-year experience in teaching dance and drama to children of all ages showcases her commitment to nurturing artistic talents and fostering a love for the performing arts.

Aimée Bonner

Box Office Manager & Membership Coordinator

Aimée joined the team at Longborough to operate as the Box Office Manager for the 2024 season. With a background in administration, hospitality and events, she is excited to be part of a team bringing opera to the local community. Having grown up in the Cotswolds playing classical music from a young age, she first visited Longborough back in 2015 for Rigoletto.

Ryan Funnell

Production Manager

Ryan is a freelance Production Manager, working across the full spectrum of theatrical production, and started working with Longborough Festival Opera in 2023. He is a Theatre Consultant with Stage Right Theatre Consultants Ltd, and was previously Head of Technical & Facilities at Wilton’s Music Hall, London. He studied Design & Technical Theatre at Middlesex University.