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'.
Chi Bennett
Chi was born in Japan in 1984 and came over to live in England as a baby. Chi grew up in North 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 that have developed over the years in what was once quite a bleak area of Plymouth. Chi is an artist, writer, mum of 2, nature lover, and avid reader of literature. 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.
Dr Mingma Lhamu
Originally from Darjeeling, India, Mingma moved to Plymouth in 2023 and immediately started volunteering at The Box, where she was put into contact with Dr Alan Butler from Pride in Plymouth, Slain from WonderZoo and others. Mingma has a PhD in History and loves getting involved in community activism and social change projects. She is currently working for the Zebra Collective, alongside volunteering at Saltram House, Pride in Plymouth, and working for WonderZoo's Hidden Figures of Plymouth project.
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.
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.
Merika Longhurst
Merika is an activist engaged within her local community, and a keen supporter of the Arts, having completed a degree in Arts Management. Merika supports WonderZoo as a non-executive Director with her financial and managerial skills, having worked for many years in the private health sector, senior management posts. Merika enjoys travel, sailing, painting, writing and music.
Kai Kuiama
Kai is a trans male, internet radio DJ with over 10 years experience, currently producing shows on Jannerradio.com and Omniumradio.com, Plymouth.
Kai produces a fortnightly radio show on Janner Radio with Slain called 'Dimensions in Vinyl' and he is a well-loved member of the Stonehouse community. He is a campaigner and activist for trans rights and Pride.
Amerie Rose
Amerie is an artist who is tricky to put in a box. She describes herself as a Social Conductor, a Transformative Activist and a Cultural Architect. Using all sorts of creative tools, she has supported hundreds of people to co-create empowering experiences and embrace necessary change. She’s a Fool, a Musician and a Natural Phenomenon, and she’s ready to play with YOU in The WonderZoo.