WonderZoo Crew
Meet some of the WonderZoo Crew!
Slain McGough Davey
Slain is the founder and Artistic director of WonderZoo. He is a performance artist and visionary leader with evolving performances, inspired by the quirkiness of 1920s, 30s, and 70s experimental art. He emphasises interactivity, drawing the audience into his dynamic and engaging shows. His proudest achievement with WonderZoo is fostering inclusivity and diversity in the Arts and Culture. Looking forward, Slain envisions supporting emerging artists, securing a dedicated theatrical space, and promoting marginalised voices. He actively collaborates with various organisations to champion inclusivity and fair compensation for artists. Slain is a creative force dedicated to positive change in the world of arts, culture, history and community.
Claire Bower
Claire is a non-executive director of WonderZoo and has worked in the voluntary sector for over 30 years. She has thrived in both national and local charities currently working for the Royal Institute of British Architects, International Menopause Society and local Plymouth based organisation Vacancy Atlas. In 2018, she won an RIBA Connect Award delivering a partnership project 'We Can Do It" with Plymouth Architectural Trust and the Plymouth College of Art enabling communities to take over buildings in the city. Claire is a musician, singer songwriter who is the lead singer of the band 'Franklin Street'.
Rachel Hawadi
Rachel Hawadi is a Programme Manager with 22 years of experience in the Project Management disciplie. Rachel was born in Zimbabwe but lived in Plymouth since 1985 and went to Plymouth High School for girls. She studied Medicinal Chemistry at Brunel University followed by a master’s degree in advanced Analytical Chemistry. She has worked in in IT, Finance, Central and local Government. The Hidden Figures project which was the brainchild of WonderZoo CIC has been an incredible and life affirming project.
Chi Bennett
Chi was born in Japan in 1984 and came over to live in England as a baby. Chi grew up in Stonehouse and then went off to travel and live in other parts of the UK and the globe. Since meeting Slain in 2019 at a WonderZoo gig at Cawfee, Union Street, Chi has been back living in Stonehouse, and has been working with him to develop WonderZoo, making the most of the community vibes. Within WonderZoo Chi is a director and does a lot of the back office, financial and funding bid work, as well as creative and performance work.
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Emma Sprawson
15 years experience as an art and mindfulness teacher in an addiction treatment centre
Artist with an MA in illustration from Central Saint Martins Shool of Art
7407 Teaching qualification
Up to date safeguarding training and additional training in ASIST
Mental health group facilitator with Mindful Art Club since 2019
Jackie Wacha
C. J Wacha was born in Uganda during a time of political turmoil and upheaval. She read Law at Makerere University, and went on to study Human Rights at London Metropolitan University. She has been writing poems and short stories ever since she first learned to read. She now lives in Devon. Her debut novel is called 'Wild Rats' about street children in Uganda. Jackie has worked for Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support and now works on WonderZoo's Hidden Figures of Plymouth project. Jackie has been a great supporter of WonderZoo for many years and has believed in Slain's vision from the beginning.
Jonathan Spurling
Jonathan is a well loved Plymouthian who set up the Freedom Community Festival over 20 years ago, which has happened every year in Freedom Fields Park, offering fun and entertainment for all the family. John supports WonderZoo as our sound technician at all our events, and Slain supports back by acting as Site Manager at the Freedom Festival. Jon is a musician, singer songwriter. He and his wife, Sarah Adams, have been instrumental in supporting Union Corner's Soup Kitchen and Earth Cafe.
Crew Over the Years
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|---|---|
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 1 |  4 |
 18 |  20170531_194144 |
 6 sam |  31 |
 Jon |  mike green |
 john spurling |  Slain McGough Davey and Jenny Eden |
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 IMG_3043 |  img014 |
 images |  12 |
 13 |  25 |
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 unnamed (2) |  DSC09467 |
 Friends of the Apocalypse |  bame awards 4 |
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