An award-winning Bermudian actress and director has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Suzann McLean was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for her efforts to make the theatre in Britain more inclusive and accessible, and for encouraging young people from marginalised backgrounds to become involved in drama.

Although born and raised in Britain, Ms McLean is the daughter of Bermudian Ann Edmead and the granddaughter of Charles Edmead. In a profile page, she lists her nationalities as British, Bermudian and Trinidadian.

Ms McLean worked in Bermuda in 2007, when she was invited to direct a production of The Sisterhood, a play performed by the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society. She had previously held a drama workshop on the island.

In an interview with The Royal Gazette at the time, Ms McLean said: “My mother is Bermudian — the former Ann Edmead — and my father is from Trinidad.

“We come back in the summers and at Christmastime. This is my mum’s home and that is one of the strong values my parents passed on to us — they wanted us to feel where their homes are.”

Ms McLean is the artistic director of Theatre Peckham in South London. She is also the founder and director of the award-winning theatre school Young & Talented.

Her television credits include appearances in popular British TV shows such as Dr Who, The Bill and Casualty.

In an interview with The Voice website, Ms McLean said: “Being recognised in this way is uplifting and inspiring. It is an honour that I share with the young people who have participated in the programmes that I have provided over the years. This award is dedicated to them, and I will continue to create opportunities for them to shine.

“My vision for a more inclusive and representative arts sector is one that we all share at Theatre Peckham. This award is recognition of the hard work of the entire team who are dedicated to creating opportunities for participation in the arts. I am proud to be part of a community that celebrates diversity and empowers young people.

“Our programme represents and reflects life as experienced by our community in Southwark. We support emerging artists from under-represented backgrounds to flourish, providing a springboard for the future.

“We believe that art forms are enriched by creatives who have new perspectives, tell untold stories and push the boundaries of form.”