New leadership model unveiled at Theatre503

Theatre503 has announced that ANTHONY SIMPSON-PIKE will be appointed its artistic director in February, succeeding LISA SPIRLING, who departs after eight years to join Stratford East as artistic director.

Simpson-Pike will serve as joint CEO with executive director EMILY CAREWE in a fresh leadership model for the new writing company.

The senior team is joined by literary manager STEVE HARPER, recently appointed deputy artistic director ROCHELLE WILSON and a producer to be recruited next month. The new model comes as the company moves towards opening the 503Studio at Nine Elms.

As a director, dramaturg and writer, Simpson-Pike has held previous leadership roles including as deputy artistic director at The Yard theatre and associate director at the Gate Theatre.

His recent directing work includes productions at the Royal Court theatre, Stratford East and Young Vic.

Simpson-Pike said: “Theatre503 holds a vital and unique place in the industry, and in my heart, as the national theatre of debut plays. It is a vital space for artists to dare to write their boldest work and for audiences to see plays they couldn’t see anywhere else.

“Now, more than ever, Theatre503 is crucial to keep the heart of our writing culture beating. Without new writing, our landscape of stories will dry up. Theatre503 and the 503Studio are vital engines supporting the most visionary writers of tomorrow today.”

New chair JAMES DACRE added: “Anthony has already made a significant impact on the London theatre ecology in his career, especially in his nurturing of new writing, championing of young talent, platforming of underrepresented voices and pioneering of unique community engagement initiatives.

“In an incredibly strong field of candidates, Anthony’s inspiring artistic vision for Theatre503 and 503Studio combined with these remarkable qualities – so brilliantly evidenced in his powerful work as a director and dramaturg – demonstrated his readiness to lead Theatre503 alongside Emily Carewe into its ambitious new chapter, building upon Lisa’s truly remarkable achievements here.”