Half Moon unveils joint leadership

Half Moon has appointed BRADLEY TRAVIS as artistic director and LOUISE ALLEN as executive director. The pair will take up post in a joint CEO model from January 2025.

Bradley will take over from current director and chief executive CHRIS ELWELL, who is stepping down from the small-scale young people’s venue and touring company after 27 years to pursue “fresh new adventures”.

Currently head of learning and participation at English Touring Opera (ETO), where he has worked since 2018, Bradley has also worked as a freelance opera singer with various companies around the UK.

He is a trustee for the learning-disabled charity Soundabout, an associate board member of the Buxton International Festival, and was previously vice chair of Barnet Educational Arts Trust.

Allen will succeed current administrative director JACKIE ELEY, who is stepping down after 20 years.

Executive director of Applecart Arts, Allen was previously executive director at Yorkshire Dance and Protein Dance and has worked with organisations, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

She is a governor and vice chair of Princess May Primary School in Hackney, an Arts Emergency mentor, a careers mentor for the University of Birmingham and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Bradley said, “I am delighted to be joining Half Moon, whose mission to give all young people an opportunity to experience the best of theatre and the wider arts both as a participant and an audience member, is one I have been devoted to in my professional career.”

Allen said, “In parallel with my passion for widening access to theatre and creative experiences for young people, Half Moon champions the best of new writing and proudly gives equal status to participatory and professional programmes.”

Chair of Half Moon, BEN JONES, added: “The board are thrilled to appoint Bradley and Louise as Joint CEOs of Half Moon. They both come with a wealth of experience and a passion for working with young people across a range of art forms.

“They will inspire our team and work with our artists, audiences, communities, partner organisations and funders to stimulate, innovate and challenge young people and theatre makers in Tower Hamlets and across the UK. We’re incredibly excited to welcome them to the team.”