In 2003, when Cunard was getting ready to launch a new flagship, it looked around for creative cultural brands it could partner to entice and entertain passengers.

Cunard approached the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to see if the renowned British acting school would perform plays on the Queen Mary 2, and the RADA programme was born.

Set up by Ellis Jones, who was creative director of the academy’s business arm, RADA Enterprises, the programme is now run by Nona Shepphard.