In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle and incoming Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming heritage storytelling. They discuss the creation of the world’s first interactive historical AI avatar, how Leeds Castle brought Queen Eleanor of Castile to life, and what this innovation means for the future of visitor engagement across heritage attractions.

Topics Discussed:

How artificial intelligence is reshaping heritage storytelling
The creation of Leeds Castle’s interactive Queen Eleanor of Castile AI avatar
Balancing historical accuracy with AI driven visitor interaction
The design and development process behind the world first historical avatar
Using AI to create personalised visitor experiences
Audience reactions to experimental heritage technology
Ethical considerations of AI in museums and heritage sites
How AI can support interpretation and visitor engagement
The challenges of introducing emerging technology in heritage settings
Blending creative storytelling with digital innovation
Practical advice for attractions exploring AI adoption
The future of AI within museums and heritage organisations
Dominique Bouchard’s upcoming move to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The potential for future AI driven heritage experience

Show references:

Dr Dominique Bouchard, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle. Soon-to-be Creative Director at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/about-us/news-media/press-releases/leading-uk-museum-appoints-its-first-creative-director/

Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile

Museum and Heritage show at Olympia London, Theatre 3 at 2:15 on Wednesday 13th May, 2026

https://show.museumsandheritage.com/

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your guest host is Andy Povey.

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Credits:
Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster)
Edited by Steve Folland
Produced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster)

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