SHROPSHIRE'S resident touring theatre company Pentabus has added two new faces to its team.

The company has recruited an administrator, Nicola Simcock, and a new head of engagement, Joanna Freeman.

Ms Freeman has taken the place of Andrew Sterry who previously worked as head of engagement for Pentabus for seven years.

She has worked in community engagement and arts education for 15 years, including work delivered for an in partnership with Birmingham Rep, Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, Severn Arts and BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

In her new role, she will create and lead engagement projects that ensure the company's artistic work is accessible and relevant.

She will also be responsible for ensuring the continuation of the existing young company and educational outreach programme, fostering a robust and inclusive relationship with new writing and theatre.

Ms Freeman said: "I'm delighted to join the wonderful team at Pentabus, and to do this as the company turns 50 is a privilege. I saw Pentabus shows as a school pupil growing up in Shropshire, which ignited a lifelong passion for theatre and the arts. I can't wait to play my part in the history of this vital and important organisation as it goes from strength to strength, and to connect with communities and creatives across the Midlands and the UK."

Ms Simcock, the administrator, will support the team on all aspects of operations in the touring theatre company.

She has a background in marketing and communications, recently having worked for the foreign and commonwealth office. She is a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading and holds an MA in English literature.

Ms Simcock said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Pentabus team and look forward to working on an exciting creative programme, starting with Make Good, a new musical that tells the story of the Post Office scandal."

Both of the new team members are based at Pentabus' offices in Ludlow Assembly Rooms, and have joined during Pentabus' 50th anniversary year.

In the anniversary year, the company is working on Make Good, a musical based on the Post Office scandal and informed by interviews and conversations with affected sub-postmasters.