Exeter Northcott announces new patrons and trustees

Musical theatre writing duo GEORGE STILES and ANTHONY DREWE have been named as patrons of Exeter Northcott Theatre alongside West End producer NICK ALLOTT.

All three began their careers at the Northcott having attended the University of Exeter, which supports the venue.

The theatre has also announced seven new trustees to its board: Paines Plough producer ELLIE FITZ-GERALD; managing director of MPSI Ltd JULIAN STONEMAN; arts and entertainment marketing and communications professional KINGSLEY JAYASEKERA; director of Escapism Plymouth Ltd LAUREN BERRY; director of producing and administration for Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre LAUREN KING; arts consultant PAUL CLAY and artistic director of the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond TOM LITTLER.

The appointments coincide with the launch of the theatre’s first artists’ assembly, an initiative that aims to embed artists in conversations and structures that inform the organisation’s artistic and strategic decision making.

Held four times each year, each assembly will be joined by a member of the executive, creative engagement and programming teams and a nominated artist from the assembly will be invited to attend a board meeting.

MARTIN BERRY, creative director of Exeter Northcott Theatre said: “Regional theatres have a crucial role in supporting [the] talent pipeline and our new patrons demonstrate the importance of providing students the opportunity to stage their work in a professional theatre.

“It can be life changing for the artists themselves and for the many thousands of people who later benefit from the work they create.”

Co-chairs BECKY CHAPMAN and DAVID BALCOMBE added: “This is an exciting moment in our story. We have a clear view of Exeter Northcott as a driver for creativity in the South West, making work with and for people in our region. We are delighted to welcome new trustees who bring a terrific range of experience and expertise to propel this vision forward.”