Today (Tuesday 24 June) marks the first day of Kathy Bourne’s term as President of UK Theatre, succeeding Stephanie Sirr MBE and Jon Gilchrist, who have jointly held the role since 2022.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the sector, Kathy is a leading figure in British theatre. Since becoming Executive Director of Chichester Festival Theatre in 2019 – and now Joint CEO alongside Artistic Director Justin Audibert – she has helped shape over 30 productions and co-productions, including multiple West End transfers. She is also Chair of the Board of Headlong Theatre and a Trustee of Spymonkey.
Kathy’s earlier tenure as Associate and Festival Producer at Chichester Festival Theatre (2006 – 2015) saw her manage more than 75 productions, both in-house and on tour. As Executive Producer at Jonathan Church Production from 2015 – 2019, she managed all business matters for the company, producing shows in the West End, internationally, and on tour.
Kathy has championed Theatre Green Book and sustainability at Chichester – from bicycle loans for visiting companies, to a shuttle bus from Chichester railway station for audiences. The Theatre received the inaugural UK Theatre Award for Sustainability in 2024 – a year which saw Chichester achieve Theatre Green Book Basic standards on five productions. Under Kathy’s aegis, Chichester Festival Theatre has continually worked with other theatres to share knowledge, resources, and best practices so that our industry can work together to put sustainability at the heart of our work.
UK Theatre also extends a warm welcome to newly elected board member Shawab Iqbal, Chief Executive of Leeds Playhouse. Shawab was appointed as Executive Director of Leeds Playhouse in 2022 before becoming Chief Executive earlier this year. He is also a London Area Council Member for Arts Council England. Shawab was previously Vice-Chair of Tamasha Theatre Company and Executive Director of the Gate Theatre.
Kathy Bourne said:
“I am thrilled and honoured to become President of UK Theatre and will strive to continue the excellent work of my predecessors Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist, who made such a significant and positive impact on the organisation. We are so fortunate to have collaborative and visionary leaders in Claire Walker and Hannah Essex; I am also excited to be working alongside Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, to support British theatre and jointly advocate for its immense economic, social and educational value to our society.”
SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEOs Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said:
“We are delighted to welcome Kathy Bourne as President of UK Theatre. Kathy is an outstanding sector leader with a deep commitment to the sector, and we look forward to working closely with her to support our members and champion theatre across the UK.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Joint Presidents, Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside them. Their joint leadership has been instrumental in shaping the direction of UK Theatre, and our sister organisation, the Society of London Theatre. We are both immensely grateful for their dedication, humour and lasting impact for our sector.”
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